C&C 05/13

INSIDE May ‘13

EFFLUENT EXPO CALVING DAIRY RURAL DRIVER CONTRACTORS HORTICULTURE RETIREMENT COUNTRY LIVING

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Issue No. 153 Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle news

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Dreams of Rio INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE Book Prize

Fieldays

Polaris Big Four

Persimmons

Page 57

Page 21-30

Page 20

Page 6-7

Jodie Throne of Tauranga now has her sights on making the high performance team with her horse Tech for the 2016 Rio Paralympics. See pages 4-5 for full story. Photo by Elaine Fisher.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

The politics of power My dad worked for the now long gone New Zealand Electricity Department, first as a turbine driver at the also long gone Meremere coal fired power station and later as an operator at a tiny substation at Mareretu in Northland.

Back then electricity was generated by the Government agency the NZED, and local distribution and supply were the responsibility of 61 electricity supply authorities.

If there was a power cut when dad was on duty, (invariably in the middle of the night in the middle of a storm), he went to the control room to find the fault and re-connect the power if a transformer had tripped. If that didn’t work the linesmen were called out to fix the problem.

I have no idea what power cost but then, as now, it was an essential service generated from hydro, thermal and coal stations built by the Government with taxpayer funds. Few could imagine the electricity, which came down the lines, would one day be bought and sold by different companies and become the subject of political manoeuvring.

It’s the politics of power which has got Federated Farmers worried, now Labour and the Greens have put forward the idea of a Pharmac-style agency to buy power from generators to sell to consumers at a controlled price. The aim is to reduce power bills, but many question if that will work.

The Ministry for Primary Industries estimates the annual electricity spend by both arable and dairy farmers is about $25,000 each year. For sheep and beef farmers, it is about $6,000. That’s one of the costs of farming and for dairy farmers in particular surety and reliability of supply is crucial. Dairies are mini-factories, almost every component of which relies on electricity.

While farmers would no doubt like lower bills, Anders Crofoot, Federated Farmers Energy spokesperson makes the point that “controlled pricing does not produce innovation or encourage private electricity schemes either”.

In fact price control is said to be partly to blame for the widespread energy crisis in California in 20002001. There was a lot more going on, and much of it illegal manipulation of the supply, but drought and delays in the construction of new power plants, helped ramp up whole sale prices by 800 per cent.

Because the State Government had a cap on retail prices, supply companies went broke and there were large scale blackouts.

We’ll never go back to the ‘simple’, cheap and perhaps less reliable days of the NZED but what has to be remembered is that much of our generation still comes from those schemes built in the 1950s and 1960s. Sometime soon those hydro and geothermal stations are going to need upgrading and someone has to pay for that.

By Elaine Fisher

The winner of the April Coast & Country Book prize ‘Pig Tits and Parsley Sauce’ by Lyn Webster and published by Penguin is Margaret Paine of Piopio.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Hapu demands timber’s return The return of $50,000 of native timber is being called for by a Waimana hapu and the man charged with its illegal milling after the timber was seized by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Despite a recommendation by Judge Robert Wolff at the first trial of Stuart McKenzie Neilson in Whakatane, that the timber be returned to the local hapu, that hasn’t happened.

Greg Keys, regional compliance manager (North) for the Ministry for Primary Industries said in April that because there was an appeal in the case any application for the release of the timber couldn’t be assessed until the appeal had been heard.

That appeal was heard on March 19 when Judge John Woodhouse quashed the sentences against Stuart and reduced his fine from $30,000 to $10,000. Stuart had also appealed his conviction but at the March court case decided to abandon that aspect of the appeal.

Despite the fact the appeal had been heard, Greg told Coast & Country: “No decision has yet been made on the timber and it has not been offered for sale to any parties. It is currently being housed in secure storage.

“Any person whose timber has been forfeited to the Crown under the Forests Act 1949 or any person having a legal or equitable interest in any such timber may apply to the Minister within 30 days of the conviction concerned for the release of the timber.”

Greg says the original $30,000 was made up of a $15,000 fine and $15,000 reparation. “The fine itself has been reduced from $15,000 to $10,000 and the order for $15,000 reparation was over-ruled. MPI respects the court’s decision in the matter.”

The hapu has repeatedly emailed MPI official Shaun Mercer asking for the return of the timber, so far without success.

Stuart says the issue of the timber has become a stressful and time-consuming saga which he wants resolved with the return of the timber to the iwi.

It began when Stuart lent his portable sawmill to longtime friend Bennett Hutchings to mill timber felled on privately owned land at Waimana to construct buildings on their marae.

“I told Bennett he could use the mill, but to be sure to get the right permits to process the timber,” says Stuart.

Bennett didn’t get those permits and MPI became aware the trees had been felled, milled and timber sent to Auckland to be dressed.

As Stuart was the registered owner of the mill, he was charged under the Forests Acts of 1949 with the unlawful milling of the timber, convicted and fined $30,000 in relation to 17 cubic metre.

“I had pleaded guilty to the charges in the first place, because the fact was my mill was used, even though I had nothing to do with the felling or milling of the timber. I wasn’t even there and Bennett told the court that. I was probably wrongly advised but at the time of the first case I understood that if I pleaded guilty, Ben-

MS1389

it probably was some timber he had been offered that MPI had seized.

He confirmed MPI have offered to sell the subject timber to him. He said the problem is he would have to “take it all” and as it is mixed types and grades.”

The affidavit also said Donald received a call on March 8 from another man who said he was in control of the timber, and that Donald was not to deal with anyone but him and that the matter had been before the courts and the Crown was in the process of selling the timber.

Stuart Neilson wants the timber seized

by MPI returned to hapu. nett would get off and all I wanted was to resolve the matter and see the timber returned to the hapu,” says Stuart.

Laurence Hughes of the hapu, Te Whakatane ki Tauwharemaanuka, from whose land the trees were taken, has written to MPI making an application to have the timber returned.

“Our hapu understand that the timber seized in relation to the court case of Stuart Neilson and Bennett Hutchings has been offered for sale to a person from Wellington. We also understand that there is an affidavit in the hands of a private investigator to substantiate this. The Court Judge recommended during the court case that the timber be returned to our hapu,” he wrote.

Shaun Mercer of MPI replied to that email saying: “I know nothing about the timber being offered for sale in Wellington, or anything about an affidavit suggesting this, and in fact no decision at all has been made yet in regards to the timber. I will be in touch with you when I know more, however again at this stage we can only return the timber to the people whose property it was taken from”.

Stuart believes MPI became aware of the initial milling after he contacted a timber merchant in Wellington with information about the timber in an effort to assess what its market value might be.

“He [the timber merchant] wanted to buy the timber but I said all along it was not for sale and when I refused to sell him any I think he potted us to MPI.” Stuart admits he was naïve in his email communications with the merchant but had only wanted to help the hapu.

“My concern now is that the timber will not be returned to the iwi who just want to use it to construct important buildings on their marae. We’ve heard that it has been offered for sale to another party.”

On March 13, three days before Stuart’s appeal against his sentence, licensed private investigator Donald Drummond of Christchurch signed a sworn affidavit which said he had made a telephone call to a man on March 3 about the timber. “He made a reference that

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

Rider and horse share extra special bond Tech, the Clydesdale cross, responds to the gentlest of rein control, voice commands and movements as subtle as the turn of Jodie Thorne’s head, which is just as well because Jodie doesn’t have the strength of other riders.

By Elaine Fisher

Jodie has Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle disease characterized by the progressive weakening and loss of skeletal muscles.

The condition means she can’t mount or dismount from Tech without assistance, and she rides with the support of a handlebar on the front of the saddle to help keep her up-right. There are flexible loops sewn into the reins so she can hold them and an elastic strap goes around each saddle flap and attaches over Jodie’s thighs with Velcro.

“These straps help to keep my leg still, give me some support and also help to prevent my legs sliding back when I do fall forward, so I have more chance of staying in the saddle in the time it takes for my 'spotters' to run in and push me back up,” says Jodie.

All that might dissuade some from getting on a horse at all – let alone one as big and powerful as Tech.

However, in just two years the horse called San Mateo Tech Effects, who stands 16 hands tall, and Jodie have forged a relationship and understanding so strong it has seen them win the Grade One Para-Equestrian Dressage Championship at the Horse of Year in March.

Three tests

works for Tauranga City Council.

During her mid-20s Jodie discovered Riding for the Disabled. “I was really nervous and felt quite unbalanced when Mac (the first horse I rode) started moving, but I had a side walker on each side of me anchoring me across each thigh, and I was holding onto the neck strap (for dear life) so I knew I wasn't going to fall off. I started to relax a little and enjoy the five minute ride around the barn.”

Those few minutes in the saddle were like a hard gym work out. “The movement of the horse coupled with me having to balance and use muscles that haven't been used for way too long was obviously just the kind of exercise I needed. I started riding regularly in May 2008 and haven't looked back since.”

Jodie’s riding confidence improved ten-fold with lessons from coach Betty Blundell, who came out of retirement to coach Jodie, and in October 2009 she went to Napier RDA and competed in two grade 1A dressage tests, coming third in both. The following year Jodie was assessed as able to compete in para-equestrian events and then began the search for a horse to ride in competitions.

The pair rode three para-equestrian Max Foundation “I was incredibly lucky to be dressage tests in three days, which was awarded a grant from the Max a real challenge of Jodie’s strength and Foundation for New Zealand Women stamina but the win made it all worthin July 2010 which meant I could while. go horse shopping to find my perfect “It was so exciting to be in the dressage horsey partner. I am so grateful to the oval for the prize giving. The atmosphere Max Foundation for giving me this was amazing. We rode round the oval twice, opportunity, and believing in me and my with the crowds around the outside cheering ultimate goals.” for us,” says Jodie.

It took nine months to find Tech, who on Not stopping there – Jodie now has her sights Tech, the Clydesdale cross, paper probably didn’t appear the perfect parton making the high performance team for the groomed and ready for a ner for Jodie.

2016 Rio Paralympics. dressage event.

He’s a big nine-year-old horse, who as a stallion Jodie has always been competitive, says her mother Photo by R.Moss, Nzequine sired 17 foals before being gelded at age eight. He had Sue Dobson. “As a child in England she loved sports, run with mares on a station, been ridden in hunts and had swimming, gymnastics, horse riding and we had no idea there no dressage experience at all. What he did have was a quiet temwas anything wrong.”

At age 12 Jodie was diagnosed with FSHD. “It was a terrible blow perament and a willingness to learn. He’s gone on to demonstrate winning dressage skills, including learning to ‘dance’ with Jodie for us all. No one could tell us much about it. Information was and develop an amazing sense of care and consideration for her. hard to find, except that there wasn’t a cure.”

“Becky who trains and warms Tech up for me says some days Sue and Pete bravely didn’t wrap Jodie in cotton wool but encourhe’s hard to handle, but when I get on he’s so gentle and careful. If aged her to live life to the full, and Jodie had the courage and anything is out of the ordinary, he looks back at me to check what’s tenacity to do just that. She went to university, graduated with a degree in new media, met her husband Darren and came to New going on.”

Zealand on a campervan holiday. “When Darren was made redunHelicopter dant we began looking for IT jobs and discovered plenty on offer But even Tech’s unflappability was stretched when a helicopter in New Zealand so moved here in 2004.” hovered low overhead at the Horse of the Year. “Tech had no idea First ride what was going on and I could feel him shaking – he was genuinely Initially the couple lived in Wellington. “In the end I couldn’t scared and I was rather worried too. At the same time, the carriage stay there – the wind just blew me over,” laughs Jodie who now drivers started warming up nearby which added lots of scary sights runs her own web design business Wicked Eye in Tauranga. Darren and sounds to the mix which Tech found overwhelming.

Page 5

COAST & COUNTRY

The goal... ...to win a medal at Rio

Mentors to help trainees AgITO has begun a nationwide initiative to train volunteer mentors to help agriculture trainees complete their qualifications.

Many trainees struggle to complete their training for a host of reasons – some have literacy and/or numeracy issues and many have mind-set and confidence issues, especially if they did not do well in a school setting.

To be a mentor doesn’t require a grammar or mathematics expert. The

most important skill is empathy and the most important contribution made is time.

The mentoring process works best when the mentor and trainees meet regularly for about an hour a week.

AgITO will train volunteers to do the best job they can during a one day induction course and once trained, mentors have any costs involved in being a mentor reimbursed.

Contact : Sue Hall, Learning Support Coordinator 0800 691 111 or 027 703 6388 sueh@agito.ac.nz

STOP PKE WASTE “He started jig-jogging and flung his head up in the air which threw me forward onto his neck. Poor Becky was trying to hold onto a dancing Tech with one hand, while stopping me from sliding off with the other while Sarita, Lucy and Chontelle ran in to catch me.”

Jodie didn’t fall and was given half an hour by the judges to recover before she and Tech entered the arena to compete.

“Tech was still quite tense when we rode at the later time, but I managed to keep him together and we rode a good test despite everything, to post a 66 per cent score which was enough to win us the championship. I was so proud of my boy and my fabulous crew who sprang into action when I needed them most.

“While it was me and Tech in the arena during competitions, our win was credit to the fantastic team which supports us. This is truly a team sport as Tech and I couldn’t do what we do without them.”

Everyday life is a challenge for Jodie but she doesn’t dwell on the negative. She is an inspiring young woman with an infectious zest for life who runs her own business, has organised Girl Geek networking for women in IT, competes in equestrian events and is foster mum to nine-year-old James who is also discovering a love of riding.

For all that she probably already deserves a medal, but Jodie wants to win one, with Tech, at Rio. Jodie’s core team are: Sue Dobson, Becky Budgen, Sarita Hyland, Lucy Picott, coach Anna McIntyre and of course husband Darren.

She also has a fantastic network of friends and sup-

Jodie Thorne and Tech in action in the dressage arena. Photo by R.Moss, Nzequine. porters ready to help out and add extra pairs of hands come show time.

Businesses in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato have also put forward their support for Jodie and Tech, and they have a growing team of sponsors behind them including JC Trailers, Eleos Trust, JLT Insurance, Farmlands Te Puna, EquipOutdoors.co.nz, Savvy Touch and Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge.

The pair are now working on their winter training plan so they can start next season with a bang and continue on their path towards their ultimate goal – competing at the Paralympics.

Jodie and Tech are always on the lookout for sponsorship to help towards their ultimate goal of the competing at the paralympics. If you would like to join them on their exciting journey and be a part of their sponsor team, please get in touch via emailing: jodie@wickedeye.co.nz and you can follow their progress at: www.jodiethorne.co.nz

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Uncovering potential of sweet persimmons In the 1980s sweet persimmons held the promise of a lucrative new export crop enthusiastically embraced by many New Zealand growers but the attractive orange fruit proved hard to grow to export standards.

Although exports reached about 2500 tonne in 2002, in recent years volumes have dropped to about 1280 tonne, produced by 40 growers who pack their fruit through 16 pack houses.

Among the most successful is Geoff Peach of Matangi in the Waikato, who for the last 18 years has been growing persimmon under cover, as well as outdoors.

When first starting out, the former market gardener and sheep farmer identified the potential of persimmons, and saw the difficulty others could have in producing export quality fruit, as an opportunity.

Geoff ’s son, Dan Peach, was managing a blueberry block after graduating from Lincoln University when a blueberry and persimmon orchard became available for lease, so they went into partnership. This partnership lasted a few years until Dan ventured out on his own with blueberries and Geoff continued with persimmons. Both grow fruit under cover as part of their operation.

Fruit is grown under cover with the intention of producing early season fruit. Geoff says despite the cost of building the support structure, installing and replacing plastic when

Persimmons grow under plastic at Holyoak Orchard owned by Geoff and Leigh Peach.

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required, that decision has more than paid for itself in improved fruit quality and export earnings.

“We bought trees from an orchard which was up for sale because we knew the variety was an early one, and planted the trees in bags.”

Today 0.6 ha of persimmons grow under plastic at Holyoak Orchard owned

by Geoff and Leigh Peach, producing consistently early, sweet-tasting, export quality fruit. However, growing under plastic isn’t easy, says Geoff. “The plastic lasts about six years and needs to be cleaned regularly – by helicopter. “The orchard is at Matangi, and Matangi in Maori means wind, so wind damage can be a problem, sometimes as often as 10 times a year.

“Humidity can also be a problem, and insect and fungal attacks are 10 times as bad as on trees grown outside. Leaf roller, mealy bugs, mites and thrips are the biggest insect pests. We have pulled back our thresholds for spraying for pests and diseases but the advantage of growing under cover is that I can spray when I need to because there is no risk of spray drift affecting neighbours due to no wind under the cover.”

The plastic which covers the Holyoak persimmons is impermeable so keeps off rain but it also means Geoff can control exactly the amount of moisture the trees receive. The trees are also protected from frosts.

Although the light is diffused, Geoff says fruit colours nicely, with high brix levels early in the season. However, as temperatures can be as much as 10

degrees higher inside than out, keeping the trees cool is an issue which Geoff controls with ventilation.

Flower thinning is an important management tool and blossoms are pollinated by bumblebees, brought from five small hives, introduced in spring. “It’s often too hot inside for honey bees to work well but bumble bees will work really hard, ‘sonicating’ or vibrating each flower so hard it’s pollinated in just one visit,” he says.

“One of the benefits of growing under cover is that your workers can come any day because weather is not an issue, and you can pick when you like.”

Because few others were growing persimmon under cover, Geoff has had to develop management techniques from experience and his own experiments and he’s still learning.

Sweet persimmons:

Export plantings are widely spread through northern New Zealand. The main areas are: Gisborne (about 28 per cent by area), then North and South Auckland (20 per cent each). Other growing regions include Northland, South Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the Hawkes Bay. The major export markets for New Zealand persimmons are, in decreasing order of volumes: Thailand; Australia; Malaysia; Singapore; Europe/ UK; Hong Kong; Canada.

The main variety exported from New Zealand is Fuyu. This is a non-astringent variety which means that it can be eaten

By Elaine Fisher while it is still crisp.

Page 7

COAST & COUNTRY

Road safety is key on rural roads too Taking your gumboot off the pedal when approaching bends and winding corners along off-beat roads - and adjusting driving skills to adverse conditions such as rain, snow and storms - are key tips for rural people leading up to this year’s Road Safety Week.

Brake, the road safety charity driving the awareness week from May 6 to 12, believes slowing down when passing rural schools and community facilities and culling unnecessary trips in vehicles is also important advice for countrydwellers.

Brake development director Caroline Perry says while footpaths may be few and far between in some rural areas –the week’s theme ‘Streets for People’ is still very applicable to farming communities.

“The theme is to remind people that streets are there to help communities, not endanger and

take lives, and it is the right of everyone, including children, the elderly and the disabled, to be able to get around their communities on foot and bicycles without risk.”

Brake is calling on drivers to get out and walk and cycle whenever they can in their communities, and to drive below 30km/h when in communities. “At speeds of under 30km/h drivers have much more chance of being able to stop in time if a child runs out,” says Caroline.

The charity, which coordinates the event with sponsorship from QBE Insurance, has a Brake Pledge of key pointers for drivers, which it encourages people to sign up to:

The points are:

Slow – drive within speed limits, Sober – drive without drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs or medication, Sharp –drive alert, not tired, ill or stressed, Silent – never use phone at the wheel instead turn phone off,

Secure – always wear a seatbelt while driving, Sustainable – reduce driving by using public transport, cycling, walking or deciding not to go.

“In terms of the slow key – for road safety week, rural drivers should try to actively keep within speed limits and to slow down past schools and community facilities,” says Caroline.

Reducing speed in the lead-up to bends and winding corners on rural roads is also encouraged.

“Always drive to the conditions, slow down at night when visibility is poor or in adverse weather conditions,” says Caroline.

“If a farmer has stopped on the side of the road – it is crucial that a passing driver can see them.”

In the lead-up to Road Safety Week, Brake is running a creative competition which individuals and groups can enter. People are encouraged to create a poster, banner, sculpture, video or anything creative to either show on www.youtube.com or place on their own property or at a local school or community facility.

(More information is available at: www.brake.org.nz/rsw-competition) Caroline says while it is important to be mobile in rural communities, traveling should be done in a safe manner. “It may be hard to get out and about walking or cycling for the week – but for these areas it is about thinking ‘do I need to get in the car or truck

to run that errand or is it safe to walk instead’.”

NZTA’s chief advisor safety operations Lisa Rossiter says her organisation is committed to delivering safer journeys for all New Zealanders – regardless of how they travel.

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the road carefully’, but it is much wider than that,” says Lisa. “It’s also about the speed vehicles travel at, the design and maintenance of roads and streets and how well a vehicle protects a pedestrian in a crash.”

Brake urges people to visit www.brake. org.nz/roadsafetyweek for tips to learn during road safety week.

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Page 8

COAST & COUNTRY

Head injuries – another cause of depression?

Drought, pests and diseases, dropping incomes and financial stresses faced by farmers and growers are acknowledged as potential triggers for depression but there may be another, poorly recognised factor too – head injuries.

Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance believes it was concussion he received in 1978 which triggered depression – and he’s concerned many people living on the land may also be vulnerable to the illness because of a blow to the head at work or playing sport, which is why he’s agreed to tell his story.

Out-going, confident, motivated and fit - that was 1970s Lincoln University student Don Fraser until he was

injured on the rugby field.

“It was 1978 and I was playing social rugby when I got a good solid kick to the head. I think I went off the field but being a typical Kiwi bloke I thought ‘she’ll be right’ and went to have a drink with the boys after the game, instead of seeking medical attention.

“The next day in lectures everything went green and I fell over – I remember that so well.”

Staff were so worried about his condition, they kept Don in virtual isolation in the university hospital, but although it was recognised he had concussion, the emotional changes which followed weren’t linked to that injury for many years.

“I went from being confident and able to cope well with lectures and study to being anxious and depressed,

made worse by any change in routine or familiar surroundings. I did not feel too sharp I can tell you.”

Don managed to successfully complete his studies in valuation and farm management, going on to own and run a dairy farm while also working as a farm adviser and registered valuer; and getting married.

“The stresses of employing staff, which I wasn’t good at, running the dairy farm and the valuation business, brought fresh bouts of depression but I still didn’t acknowledge it for what it was.

“After one session with psychologist Karl Dibble it all became clear to me. Karl made the link between the head injury and depression and gave me the tools to help deal with it.”

John Kirwan’s book ‘All Blacks Don’t Cry’, about his battle with depression and the ways he found to cope has been inspirational for Don, who thoroughly recommends it to anyone fighting with the ‘black dog’ of depression.

“The good news is that it’s possible, with some practice, to learn more positive ways of thinking about things and change the ‘chatter’ in your head,” says Don. One of Don’s management techniques is listening to the radio on a Sony Walkman at night when he can’t sleep and the internal negative, anxious chatter risks getting the upper hand.

“I’ve given a walkman to several of my clients who I can see are going through what I did,” says Don, who can strongly relate to the Robert Louis Stevenson quote “Anyone can carry his burden, however hard, until nightfall”. He also says that some form of meditation is a huge help.

Despite the tough times he’s been through, Don says his experiences have enriched his life. “I can truly empathise with others in a way I wouldn’t have been able to, had I not received that blow to the head all those years ago.”

Don’s tips for getting through: Accept the fact you have a head injury and or/ depression accompanied with anxiety.

Find someone to confide in who will just listen without judgement.

Seek medical help – write down your symptoms and issues, take your partner along and make a double appointment. If you don’t get satisfaction, seek another opinion.

Ensure you get proper professional psychological help from a psychologist who specialises in head injury and depression. Don gets grumpy when he meets people who doctors have put on anti-depressants with no psychological help.

Learn how to re-set the clock and once you have, know the signs, heed the warning and take it easy when you need to.

Acknowledge the role your partner plays, they are your best ticket to the future. They need support and understanding too.

Know this is a life-long issue. Just because people can’t see the scar or injury, doesn’t mean you are fine and dandy.

Check out the depression website: www.depression.org.nz and read John Kirwan’s book.

By Elaine Fisher

Don Fraser finds using the Fergy tractor he’s modified with a water-filled extra tyre to crush avocado prunings is excellent stress relief – and constructive too.

COAST & COUNTRY

Starting young at Opotiki club

Giving young riders confidence to tackle jumps is one of the aims of the Opotiki Pony Club. Photos by Jean Rogers.

Riding on the beach and across farmland are among the activities members of the Opotiki Pony Club enjoy during the season which runs Young riders and ponies are from spring to autumn. introduced to jumping.

Club president Carol Wilson of the club says official events have finished for the winter but resume again in September for riders from pre-school age to 21.

“We have on average two rallies a month and new riders are always welcome,” she says.

As well as more formal sessions at Riders from pre-schoolers the pony club grounds in St John to teens are members of the Street, beach rides and practice Opotiki Pony Club.

hunts across farmland are part of the programme. Carol says the aim is to teach not only riding techniques, but care and attention for horses and ponies and riding gear. There’s a theory side to the club as well with riders able to study for and gain certificates.

“We are lucky with our arena as it is fully enclosed and safe for little people. We have a four-year-old who has just started riding with us and the new comers all begin by being on a lead.”

The Opotiki Club is a member of the New Zealand Pony Club Association. For more information on this and other pony clubs go to: www.nzpca.org

Girl Guides’ iconic biscuits still available Girl Guide biscuits are still on sale – by the packet or by the boxful.

Girl Guide biscuits have been selling for more than 55 years and are embedded in the country’s cultural heritage as a true piece of Kiwiana.

Dip one into a hot cup of tea, dunk one into a glass of cold milk or make a biscuit slice with the delicious biscuit available in both plain and chocolate flavours.

Recipes are available on the Girl Guiding website.

A carton of plain, 15 packets, is $52.50. A carton of chocolate, 18 packets is $63. A carton of minis, 16 packets, is $56.

Girl Guiding New Zealand is bigger than a biscuit.

All proceeds go towards helping Kiwi girls and young women to discover their potential, develop confidence and skills, participate in programmes and contribute to their communities both now and in the future.

Girl Guide biscuits can now also be purchased

The iconic Girl Guide biscuits are still selling.

Photo supplied.

online at www.girlguidebiscuits.org.nz - limited supply only. Contact Janet on 07 575 8463 or Linda on 07 576 6532 to make an order.

Page 9

EFFLUENT EXPO

Page 10

Ancient building material stands test of time The use of concrete in construction of buildings, water storage and reticulation systems dates back to Roman times but thanks to modern technology, it’s unsurpassed for flexibility of design, durability and cost effectiveness says David Crake of Hynds Rural.

Hynds prides itself on finding innovative solutions for the rural sector, he says.

An example is the Hypond, a unique, site-assembled, precast effluent tank that comes in four standard sizes from 40,000 to 145,000 litre capacity.

However, for farms which need more storage, there’s the Megapond which comes in sizes from 500,000 to 4,000,000 litre capacity.

Hynds can build a complete effluent storage system for dairy farms.

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“Hynds has the ability to engineer solutions for individual clients which ensures they end up with a robust asset which performs as it should and because it is concrete it will stand the test of time for future generations,” says David.

The company can faciliUnderpasses can be installed quickly, thanks tate the design and build of to the pre-cast modular design a complete effluent storage of the components. system, from stone-traps to ponds and storage bunkers.

Hynds works with customers to understand their needs and local environmental regulations.

Underpasses, culverts and bridges are another speciality and once engineering designs are complete and consents issued, these can be installed quickly, thanks to the pre-cast modular design of the components.

David says that speed was essential for the owners of a lifestyle property who were unable to reach their farm because the access bridge Constructing bridges safely and efficiently is had failed. “We were able something Hynds Rural prides itself on. to get a new bridge in place

quickly, for which they were very grateful.” The Canterbury earthquakes caused significant damage to rural structures, including the access bridge used by Vodafone to reach a cellphone tower. “It took just three days from the time we got the goahead, to have the bridge in operation.”

Ponds, underpasses and bridges are a significant investment. With this in mind they are designed to relevant building and transport agency codes with an emphasis on seismic loadings to ensure compliance and asset insurance needs are met.

“The company built a one million litre pond just outside of Christchurch for Wattie Heinz and due to its highstrength circular design, it has withstood the thousands of earthquakes and aftershocks, many of which were centred in the immediate area.”

Overall, Hynds prides itself on providing solutions which asset owners can have faith in and be proud of.

Page 11

EFFLUENT EXPO

Moopoo spreading problem sorted There’s a new magnum on the market and it’s not an ice cream, a large bottle of champagne or a private eye. Instead it’s billed as the ‘answer to moopoo problems’.

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10 mm/hour was with the use of static sprinklers or moveable pods. That could require up to 19 shifts to cover a paddock 150 x 250 metre. With the Williams GB Magnum, the same sized paddock can be covered evenly with only two shifts.

When fitted with a Williams Auto Shut-off valve and/ The new Williams or a GPS system, GB Magnum travelover applicaling rain gun/irrigator tion of effluent is the first of its kind is practically to be designed to impossible, says apply effluent at rates Andrew. With below 7 mm/per hour a pod system, if and depths down to 3 the pods are not mm, while still dealing shifted before with raw effluent. each pump cycle, It is an advancement they will conon the company’s well tinue to irrigate known Greenback the same areas Andrew Williams with the Williams GB Magnum travelling Spider Irrigator and until they are rain gun/irrigator at the Waikato Effluent Expo. has been developed by moved.

Andrew Williams, specifically to overcome issues farmAndrew says designing and manufacturing effluent ers face with effluent spreading. irrigation equipment offers a number of challenges, including the consistency and potentially corrosive Williams Irrigation is based in Thames and the new nature of effluent, the terrain over which the machines irrigator was extensively tested on a Hauraki Plains must move, and the treatment they are likely to receive farm before going into commercial production. from operators.

The patented design combines the performance of All this adds up to the need to design and build a static rain gun with the reliability of the GreenBack machines which are rugged and reliable, both inside travelling irrigator to create an irrigator that the comand out, as well as effective at carrying out the tasks pany believes surpasses all competing forms of effluent they were designed for, plus maintaining the “Wilirrigation equipment. liams” reputation for quality farm equipment that has Before the release of the Magnum, the only way been built up over the last 30-plus years. effluent could be applied at application rates below

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Effluent has grown a new industry “There’s money in muck,” one farmer was heard saying as he sat down to lunch at the Waikato Effluent Expo in March.

He was right. Just through the doors, 44 exhibitors were promoting products and services to deal with what was once an annoying waste product and now used as a fertiliser.

Since regional councils began getting tough on the discharge of dairy effluent and the actions of some farmers, which earned the industry the unfortunate catch phrase “dirty dairying”, a whole new effluent industry has evolved.

Collectively, New Zealand farmers are spending millions on building effluent ponds and irrigation systems to meet resource consent conditions. Their attitude to ‘muck’ has changed too. From something to be got rid of (not that long ago it often went into a nearby water way) dairy shed effluent has become a valuable resource to enrich pasture and save on fertiliser bills.

One kilogramme of nitrogen from dairy shed effluent is said to be equivalent to 1kg of nitrogen from urea, in terms of pasture production, composition and nitrate leaching. Based on those figures dairy effluent should produce up to 10 or 15kg of dry matter per kg N applied in effluent.

Some very clever solutions to the issues surrounding the collection, storage and dispersal of dairy effluent have evolved and many were on show at the third Effluent Expo, organised by Waikato Regional Council, and sponsored by DairyNZ. Storage options included huge concrete or rubber lined ponds, to above-ground tanks, but that’s just the start.

Ponds and tanks need stirrers to stop effluent crusting over and pumps to move it in and out.

There is also a choice of systems for irrigating the effluent onto pasture from travelling irrigators to slurry tanks.

About 500 farmers attended the expo which Waikato Regional Council environmental farming systems manager Alan Campbell says is a very healthy sign of the industry’s commitment to doing the right thing with effluent.

“Despite the pressures farmers are under due to the drought we saw another large turnout at this expo, the third annual event we have run.

“Waikato farmers are really buying into the idea that good effluent management not only protects the environment but also helps their financial bottom line. They deserve a great deal of credit for their efforts to improve their effluent management systems.”

Alan believes a strong part of the success of the expos has been their singular focus on effluent management. “All the farmers turning up are looking for solutions. Farmers are genuinely keen to improve their performance for both financial and environmental reasons.

“Having adequate storage so that farmers can irrigate with effluent at the right time is particularly important. Storage solutions are influenced by soils, climate and farm systems factors so we recommend farmers consult an accredited farm dairy effluent designer before making investment decisions.

“We want to continue to work closely with farmers to help them make improvements generally, taking into account the individual circumstances of farms.

“One particularly good thing for the Waikato is that there are now nine farm dairy effluent systemdesign accredited suppliers in our region to provide great advice for farmers looking to upgrade.”

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Page 12

CALVING

Growing cows well starts from day one To set a dairy cow up for a long, productive life, she needs the best possible start.

Extra effort put in at calving will pay dividends throughout her milking life. Well grown heifers make much more successful milking cows, and growing them well starts from the day they are born, says DairyNZ in an article on its website.

Best practice in calf rearing means all calves, including bobbies, must receive adequate fresh colostrum within the first 24 hours of life and should be fed colostrum, or a colostrum substitute, for at least the first four days of life.

Always handle calves gently and with care. Do not allow anyone to throw, hit or drag a calf at any time.

Electric prodders must not be used on calves.

Calves that are not with their mothers must be provided with shelter so that they can stay warm and dry. Calf pens must be fit for purpose and well maintained. Bedding areas must be comfortable, clean and dry, with adequate ventilation to ensure that ammonia gas does not build up. Exposed concrete, bare earth and mud are not acceptable.

Calves should be fed at the same times each day to minimise stress. Always ensure calves have access to large quantities of clean water. Feed calves well to rapidly achieve weaning weight with a well-developed rumen.

A calf should drink at least 2-3 litre of fresh colostrum during the first six hours of life to get supply of immunoglobulins, which act as antibodies. To achieve this, pick up calves twice a day and give them first day colostrum regardless of if they have had a feed.

First day colostrum is valuable (even if it has blood or with clotty mastitis milk). It should be fed fresh.

Store colostrum (other than first day colostrum) in multiple drums, in a cool place and stir it twice a day. A colostrum keeper can be added to maintain the sterility of the product, or add a sachet of Ezy-yo to each drum. Colostrum can be frozen for up to six months. Thaw in hot water, do not microwave.

Ensure good routine hygiene and health practices.

Scrub all feeding equipment well with hot water and detergent. Frequently clean and disinfect pens where sick calves are treated. Spray pens weekly with a broad spectrum disinfectant. Remove sick calves promptly to a sick bay.

Calves must be checked twice daily for signs of illhealth and given treatment if any fall ill.

Check that: • Noses are clear of discharges and are moist and cool.

• Calves are alert and have responsive ears with no infection around the ear tag.

• Navels are clear of infection.

• Mouths are clear of ulcers.

• Calves have shiny, supple coats. Note that if a calf's pinched skin is slow to return to normal it may be dehydrated and need electrolytes.

• Vaccinate, treat for parasites and provide access to shelter.

• You control the spread of disease. Calves of the same age should stay in the same pen. However, small or unthrifty calves may be better off with a younger group.

By Elaine Fisher

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Page 13

DAIRY

New pond brings peace of mind The Brudon Farm effluent pond is lined with rubber.

There are two things Bruce and Donna Arnold would change if they could about their newly installed effluent pond – build it earlier and remove the tree.

Other than that, they are happy with their $232,599 investment on the Hauraki Plains, even though it may have cost only $150,000 had they built it in 2008 when they first considered the idea.

“Trees are important on our farm and when the digger driver said he could work round the one near the pond site, we decided to leave it, but with hindsight, removing it would have given us more room around the pond,” Bruce told those who attended a seminar at the Waikato Effluent Expo in March.

Bruce and Donna were asked to address two seminars at the Waikato Regional Council-organised expo to give a farmer’s perspective of the process they went through to build the 7000 m3 pond to cope with effluent from 600 cows on their Brudon Farms property.

The farm is high input, with cows fed maize and palm kernel on a standoff pad in addition to pasture, and milked through a 50 bale rotary. Before the pond was installed, effluent was applied to the pasture 365 days of the year in what Bruce said was a high risk system, should something go wrong or heavy rain prevent irrigation.

In 2008 the Arnolds investigated the costs of building an effluent pond but the $150,000 price put the project on hold.

“In take two in 2010, I decided to do some homework and talk to farmers with ponds and attend the first effluent expo at Mystery Creek.”

Finally, with expert advice, they decided to build a 50x50x4 m2 7000 m3 pond with a solid separator, irriga-

tors and pumps.

The pond is lined with rubber. “We wanted something that was fool proof and as the pond would be empty at times, we felt lining it with clay

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The pond shortly after it was commissioned in February 2013.

Donna and Bruce Arnold say their new effluent pond is a worthwhile investment. wouldn’t work because it would dry out and crack.”

Because the water table on the farm near Morrinsville is high, extra fill had to be brought in. Work began in November last year and by February the pond was fully operational with irrigators spreading effluent on 53 ha.

“We plan to go up to another 50ha.”

Solids from the pond are removed and spread as additional fertiliser on part of a maize paddock.

Now the pond is complete, running costs have increased the farm’s power account by around $300-$400 per month but Bruce said, that aside, the pond has brought important benefits to the farming operation.

“Having the pond means we have enough storage not to have to irrigate during calving. The system is foolproof, easy to run and has eliminated the risks of run off. It’s brought complete peace of mind.” By Elaine Fisher

Under construction – work on the 50x50x4m2 7000 m3 pond began in November 2012.

Ph Jim 07-850 5971 Mob. 0274 936 693 Ph Chris 07-849 3630 Mob. 0274 936 692 P.O. Box 10 188, Te Rapa, Hamilton www.dairybuilders.co.nz

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DAIRY

Page 14

Vet bonding extends thin green line The rural veterinary bonding scheme for Massey graduates is fully subscribed with 102 veterinary graduates working in rural veterinary practices around New Zealand according to official figures.

“Even better, 96 per cent of those entering the scheme, from the time it commenced, have stayed in it,” Gavin Sinclair, president of the New Zealand

Veterinary Association says.

“While it is still early days, and there still seem to be some stubborn (hard to recruit) rural regions, this result is encouraging. NZVA lobbied hard for the introduction of the scheme at a time when there were gaps appearing in the thin green line that is the veterinary rural workforce in New Zealand.

“The first graduates received their first payment of $33,000 before tax ($11,000 per year) just prior to Christmas. At that point, four had left the scheme, and 10 had moved to other

rural practices. This is just what we wanted; young veterinarians settling into rural practice and hopefully remaining there. They are sorely needed.”

Government has significant responsibilities for food safety, animal welfare, and bio-security and it relies on the thin green line of veterinarians to monitor livestock to ensure these responsibilities are met.

“The risks arising from late recognition of an exotic disease outbreak, food safety concerns, and animal welfare disasters, on our international markets are

serious. Veterinary involvement in managing all these risks has been recognized in part by Government support of the scheme,” says Gavin.

For farmers, it also means a viable, sustainable, cost-effective and responsive rural veterinary workforce for the on-going dayto-day, 24/7 demands of both routine and emergency clinical services.

“A rural veterinary practice faces many risks and challenges, not the least being able to sustain the 24/7 on call requirement.

“These practices have a high

workload and a surprisingly low level of remuneration which can make the work unattractive to young graduates.”

There are also demographic trends, most notably the increasing numbers of female graduates (85 per cent of new graduates from Massey are female) who want flexible working arrangements, often part time, and increasingly in companion animal (pet) practices in urban areas.

The next step for the NZVA is a more in depth review of the persistently difficult areas to staff in order to identify solutions.

Rotorua Lakes plan open for comment How Rotorua Lakes will be managed in future is up for consultation.

The 10-year-old strategy for the management of the Lakes of the Rotorua district is up for review and the public, including farmers, has until May 17 to comment on the proposed new plan.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group chairman Kevin Winters says the strategy is an important part of protecting and restoring Rotorua’s iconic lakes.

“The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes are so important for our region, historically, economically and culturally.

The strategy sets out the vision for the lakes and provides steps on how to achieve that vision.

“The original strategy is more than 10 years old. While the vision remains as relevant today

as it was in the past, many other things have changed.

A refreshed strategy has been developed that retains the original vision but builds on the commitment of partner organisations to provide an integrated approach to managing the lakes and their catchments.”

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Chairman Toby Curtis says the strategy is the community’s document.

“These lakes are our taonga and we need to protect them for current and future generations.

In developing the new strategy we worked with the community, iwi and other interested parties to learn what they wanted for the lakes.

“The strategy is a voice for the Rotorua district community. It sets out what the community wants to achieve for the lakes. It is very aspirational and belongs to everyone who has an interest in

the lakes now and in the future.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman John Cronin says the development of the new strategy is a collaborative effort and it is important for the community to provide feedback.

“The strategy was developed with lots of input from the community and partner organisations. Workshops and meetings were held with community groups, iwi and other stakeholders.

“We want the community to tell us what they think of the draft strategy and if there anything else that should be included.”

For a copy of the draft strategy and how to provide feedback visit www.rotorualakes.co.nz or go to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s office in Arawa Street, Rotorua District Council or Te Arawa Lakes Trust. Feedback closes on May 17 2013.

KEVIN WADE

FARM DRAINAGE & EARTHWORKS

Phone 0274 968337 or 07 884 6784

DAIRY

Page 15

Diverse pathways to success The finalists lining up in the 2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are evidence of the huge opportunities and varying pathways available to progress in the dairy industry, says national convenor Chris Keeping.

The 34 finalists in the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions are now all known with the 12 regional award programmes completed.

“The finalists have a range of backgrounds

and experience in the industry, but are all working hard and achieving great results in their various positions. This is helping them to progress their career and grow their equity to take the next step in the dairy industry,” says Chris.

“The range of positions they hold also demonstrates the way the dairy industry has evolved to create opportunities for people to enter and progress at their own pace and in their own way.”

The finalists hold positions from farm assistants, herd managers, farm managers, contract milkers, lower order and 50 per cent share milkers, to equity managers and equity

partners. “Some are in an equity partnership and are then lower order sharemilking for that partnership. It really is now whatever works.”

Other trends among this year’s group of finalists appear to be a much greater emphasis on managing people within their business – or the human resource aspect to farming – and having good communication between all stakeholders.

“Having a sustainable farm and farming environmentally friendly has become the new norm among the finalists, just like having sound financial performance systems in place.”

The finalists include a set of brothers, a seven-time dairy industry awards entrant, and a number with university and trade qualified

people. The smallest herd size among the finalists is 220 cows, while the largest is 1400 cows.

The finalists will converge on Wellington for the national awards dinner on May 24. Before then, many will host on-farm field days and also prepare for national judging, which takes place in mid-May. The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO. Further information on the finalists and on-farm field days can be found at: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

Seven of the best in battle for the title Seven New Zealand farmers will go head to head in two days of competitions in the grand final of the 2013 ANZ Young Farmer Contest this month.

The events take place between May 16 and 18 in Auckland at the Kumeu Showgrounds and Skycity.

The series of events kick off at 4pm, Thursday, May 16, with the official opening at Aotea Square. Here, spectators will be entertained with the first challenge and introduced to the seven grand finalists: Ian Douglas of Northern, Tim Van de Molen of Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Cam Brown of Taranaki/ Manawatu, Aaron Passey of East Coast, Reuben Carter of Tasman, Matthew Bell of Aorangi, and Dean Rabbidge of Otago/Southland.

The gates open for the practical day at 7am on Friday, May 17, at Kumeu Showgrounds.

This portion of the grand final encompasses all things agricultural and competition tasks range from practical hands on tests, to theory and commercial elements of farming where the finalists must prove their business and management acumen in a human resource challenge and panel interview.

After the practical Tim Van de Molen is representing the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region in the Young Farmer of the Year.

day, finalists will have a small reprieve and then it’s straight to the ANZ Grand Final Dinner at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron.

Saturday morning, May 18 is reserved for a closed door exam and the evening is when the real excitement happens - the televised Grand Final Show and Celebration Ball.

The audience will watch the contenders in

the quick-fire question round as they make their last effort to claim the 2013 champion title and impressive prizes worth more than $60,000, including $10,000 cash thanks to ANZ, AGMARDT, Lincoln University, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, Husqvarna and Vodafone.

The show will be televised on TV1 at

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10.15pm on Saturday, May 18 and on Heartland on Sunday, May 19 at 8.30pm.

It is estimated that there will be 300,000 viewers for the 33rd televised Grand Final Show of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest – the Ultimate Rural Challenge. For more information and details on tickets visit the website: www.youngfarmers.co.nz

DAIRY

Page 16

Stopping the land slide of carbon soils Most people have never heard of the biological sigmoid curve, the reason for this is that all universities and Government departments don’t teach it.

For example, we have known for 60 years that over grazing causes desertification of soils, and most people would blame animals for this, which is totally false. In fact animals managed correctly are being used to restore desert soil back to productive carbon sequestering soils in a matter of years. The interesting thing here is why isn’t this taught at university and, or government level?

We are told by environmental authorities like the Waikato Regional Council, that riparian plantings are the answer to our water quality issues.

This is nothing but absurd and blinkered hopeful thinking.

The issue is the whole catchment area and the sigmoid biological curve of this catchment. The critical point here is how important it is to manage the first one to two

metre of the top of these catchment areas. If this can’t be achieved the rest of the system is destined to fail.

We need to start a re-education process for our pastoral farmers and show how important it is to get rotational grazing lengths correct. Most farms are losing the potential of thousands of kilograms of dry matter growth because they graze their paddocks too early (for example 2500kg DM/ha instead of 40005000kg DM/ha).

We hear arguments that pasture at 4000kgDM/ha are past their best and cattle won’t perform on these so called rank pastures.

However, when you put these types of feed through a laboratory we then find out that the acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre levels are at their best for a ruminant.

After all that is what a cow is, a massive big mobile microbial incubating chamber, and it is from this degradation of plant tissue that we get the production of milk and meat.

This type of feed actually feeds the cow more effectively than some grass that is force fed on nitrogen.

These types of grass feeds contain excessive levels of nitrate-nitrogen resulting in MUN (milk urea nitrogen) and BUN (blood urea nitrogen).

The problem is that the international recommended levels for MUN is between 10-15mg/ decilitre of milk, however, some data we obtained shows New Zealand levels are exceeding 30-40mg/decilitre of milk.

The problem with our present grazing management system is that we are losing 1000kg of soil carbon/ha per year and during the last 40 years we have lost 40-50 tonnes of carbon per hectare.

This loss of carbon now means most soils can only hold 25-50 millimetre of rain water at one time and the loss of soil nitrogen is in the figure of 4000kg of nitrogen/ha or eight tonnes of urea/ha.

What are the financial gains that can be obtained by adopting the new grazing para-

digm? The latest lot of research data shows that soils with the correct pre and post grazing residuals can sequester in excess of 1000kg of soil carbon per hectare per year.

That’s 100kg/ha of nitrogen or 200kg/ha/year of urea which equates to $160/ha/year saving on synthetic nitrogen purchases, and this figure increases by $160/ha/year on nitrogen savings.

So, in five years there is an increase of soil nitrogen (500kgN/ha or 1 tonne of urea) which equates to $800/ ha/year.

In addition to this, the soil can hold an additional 25ml of rainfall which is directly available for plant growth.

We have seen these results stand out this year with the excessive long dry spell, with those farms being biologically managed suffering far less than those farms that are chemically/conventionally managed with large amounts of synthetic inputs.

Effluent irrigator design unveiled The new Advance Irrigator RapidFlow boom design from TechniPharm was launched at the Waikato Effluent Expo in March.

The new design has created a 5 PSI advantage over the conventional design and is significant in respect of energy use and pump delivery utilisation.

TechniPharm carried out a very intensive programme of data logging all possible settings of its seven metre and 11 metre boom units.

The results have been outstanding according to CEO Harmen Heesen.

“What we found is that our original anticipation of being able to control speed directly through large gearing

Biological Fertilisers

and thus avoiding energy wastage is working well.

What we also found is that the 11 metre boom unit is an extremely capable unit which can deliver applications as low as 4mm, yet it can also deliver many multiples of this if the soil moisture deficit is high.

“So this gives farmers the options and confidence that with the TechniPharm Advance Irrigator they can achieve what they need to comply with and want to achieve within their strategic use of effluent.”

The design means more energy is available to “drive” the irrigator so it can travel faster, thus reducing application rates.

Designer Kevin Smith was thrilled with the results and response from visitors at the expo.

Solid and Liquid Fertilisers Liquid BioChar/Humus Builder /Cal-Phos Increase soil humus and biological activity – from $15/ha Soil Force Biological Phosphate Fertiliser Re-Charge/Nano-Cal/Multi-Cal Calcium-Carbon Fertilisers Stock Primer – Mineralised Carbon Drench Build immunity, suppress pathogens; e.g. Rotovirus & E.Coli for as little as 4¢ per cow per day Humates/Humic Acid/Fulvic Acid Increased water retention & nutrient release.

New Biological Controls for Cricket, Cicada, Argentine Stem Weevil, Clover Flea – all added into solid and liquid fertiliser programmes.

Biological PSA management options. Reams Soil Testing, Home Garden Fertiliser.

The new Advance Irrigator RapidFlow boom design means more energy is available to “drive” the irrigator.

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The new Rapid Flow boom is available as a retrofit on all existing TechniPharm units and will be incorporated in all new Advance Irrigator systems.

The system will also be at the innovation area at the National Fieldays 2013.

Page 17

DAIRY

History is a great future planning tool For many farmers it may be that the summer of 2013 is a season best forgotten.

Because of the extended drought, it’s one farmers won’t want to remember, and putting it behind them and focusing on next season is the way to go.

While it is no good looking back, it is important to remember that history is one of our great learning tools – and future planning should take into account what we have been through. Now, however, is the time to prepare for the season to come.

Despite the tough growing conditions the news is not all bad. In the last quarter we had stronger than expected GDP, 1.5 per cent up, low inflation and business confidence is up. For dairy farmers, pay outs are up and thanks to the drought, volumes are down so demand and prices, especially from China, have increased.

However, it’s been very hard on some farmers and not all will enjoy the full benefits of the increased pay out because they had to dry off herds early.

As I always say, hope for the best but prepare for the worst especially when it comes to the weather. It seemed the hot dry summer would never end, then in the space of just a couple of weeks we went from

bone dry to floods when the rains came in late April.

Those rains certainly broke the drought and while conditions remain mild, grass has the chance to grow again. If cold air moves up from the South that will come to a halt, and May through to August could be very cold.

The tough summer has affected cow condition and care is needed to improve that. I suggest that farmers supplement the new grass growth or any winter crops with fibre such as hay, rye grass straw, barley straw and silage.

A problem is that high energy but low fibre feed, like spring grass, can go right though stock so they don’t get the most benefit out of quality feed.

Many herds have already eaten through winter stocks of supplementary feed but the good news is we still have more available, though it won’t last long. I’m currently in the South Island meeting with our suppliers and some feed is already becoming hard to secure. Their farmers, too, have had a long dry summer and the locals are now looking around for supplementary feed.

It’s a good time to get orders in for quality winter feed now rather than trying to wing it and find in the middle

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Improving cow condition now is the best insurance for calving and next

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Soils

Zest

DAIRY

Page 18

Why nutrient inputs demand a rethink There are a number of certainties we all live by and right now the two that spring to mind are: future weather patterns cannot accurately be predicted, and dry spells are eventually followed by significant rain.

A philosophy that we adopted years ago, and is the basis of all sound long-term wealth building programmes, is that buying quality results in a much better long term outcome than buying the cheapest. When money is scarce the cheapest might look like a great option however those that have paid more for higher quality inevitably receive a better result, even when they have bought less. Is the philosophy of the conventional fertiliser providers that the only criterion for nutrient purchase is cost per kilogram of nutrient starting to unravel? Can we be certain that the response by soils to the cheapest fertiliser products is the same as that to higher quality nutrient inputs?

Could recent revelations about the levels of cadmium in our soils as a result of years of applying phosphorus with high cadmium content, and the removal of DCD’s from the market place, be just the start of the conventional system starting to crumble? Although we have been told that AgResearch, after the removal of DCDs, still has seven tools in its toolbox capable of solving the nitrate nitrogen leaching problem, urea is still being recommended, with what appears as scant regard for the steady increase in nitrate nitrogen levels in water ways in districts where dairying is strong.

This advice would be a little more understandable if the only options currently available resulted in lower farm production and a loss of farmer’s livelihoods.

The dismissal of anything other than lowest cost water-soluble nutrient products followed by increasingly large dollops of nitrogen as “organic” resulting in half as much growth is demeaning to both those selling the message and farmers at large.

Farmers are a savvy bunch of people and though they might not wish to publicly admit it they are environmentalists at heart. It’s perhaps the advice they have received from those they trust that has resulted in confusion, misunderstanding, and poor buying decisions. The Berryman property at Otakiri near Edgecumbe will have grown, in the 12 months to the end of April, close to 14 tonne of dry matter per hectare, down from 18.4 tonne last year. The district average last season was 14.8 tonne, so this season provides us with a better understanding of the frustration by farmers in the district, even when weather is favourable. Independent analysis from the last two seasons showed the Berryman property to be growing 30 per cent more feed than the district average. The Berryman property uses a DoloZest/CalciZest based nutrient programme, that also includes phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, but little nitrogen fertiliser, and this season none at all, as moisture not nitrogen has been the limiting factor for the last six months.

Now in the ninth year of the programme the requirement for fertiliser N has steadily reduced and the Nitrate N levels in groundwater from the property are less than 5.65ppm, the level rated “good” by the Ministry for the Environment. With 9400 kg/ha of nitrogen in the top 30cm of the soil and around 200 kgN/ha plant available at any one time there is no requirement for fertiliser N, either now or at any time in the near future. With Nitrate N levels being a good indicator of the levels of other nutrient being leached the on-going requirement for other major growth nutrients also steadily decreases. This autumn’s nutrient input contains calcium, magnesium, live fungi and bacteria along with boron to also ensure maximum energy in every mouthful of feed during winter.

‘Un-conventional’ farm performs above average Observation skills are an important part of farm management, Peter Berryman believes.

Peter Berryman has an inquiring mind and an independent nature which is partly why he is regarded by some as an unconventional farmer.

Not that it worries Peter because his apparent lack of convention has seen his Otakiri dairy farm consistently perform above the district average. For Peter, the basis of successful farming and healthy animals begins with healthy soil. “In the early days if MAF told me to do something, I was just as likely to do the opposite if I thought it didn’t make sense,” says Peter who draws on a lifetime of farming and observation skills to inform his decision making. Since 1969 Peter and his wife Robin, a sheep farmer’s daughter from the South Island, have farmed and raised a family at Otakiri.

Sharemilking

Today their daughter Liz and her husband Danny Henman are sharemilking 200 cows on the 70ha property which last season produced 38 per cent more milk solids per hectare than the district average.Liz, who studied agriculture at Massey University and returned to the Whakatane district as an ag-tutor, says she didn’t fully appreciate how innovative her father’s methods were until she left home and saw what other farmers were doing. “He’s pretty amazing in what he’s done and the knowledge he has. One of the things both my parents are very strong on is the power of observation, looking at what the living things are telling you – the soil, the pasture and the animals,” she says. Danny too is happy to learn from Peter and to trust his judgement, even though his practices of not grazing pasture too hard, and not using nitrogen fertilisers, are different from most industry recommendations.

The Berryman family links to the district go back to 1925 when Peter’s father purchased a farm in the Te Teko - Onepu area and later the Otakiri farm. When he left school Peter initially worked on that family

farm before going to the South Island to try his hand shepherding and as a commercial fisherman. “Forty-five years ago during the storm which wrecked the inter-island ferry the Wahine, I was on a 40 foot trawler off the South Canterbury coast with two of us on board. It took 11 hours to get into port instead of the normal one.”

When Peter and Robin returned to the family farm, Peter began turning his attention to farming the soil as well as the livestock. “You need a good root system to have good pasture. Some of our grasses have roots 900mm deep.” Every year Peter re-sows some of the pasture with a mix of grasses, clover and chicory. He has always used lime and dolomite, and six years ago replaced Muriate of Potash with Sulphate of Potash. “I don’t want to use anything which will kill the bacteria in the soil. We never have a problem with insects like black beetle and not too much trouble with weeds either.”

From 2004 Peter has worked with Peter and Coralie Burton of Eco-Logic Soil Improvement, applying their products CalciZest and DoloZest as part of a total nutrient package each season. Peter Burton invited the Berrymans to be part of a research programme to determine whether the fertiliser practices on their farm reduced nitrate nitrogen leaching to ground water.

Flux meters

In March 2011 flux meters, essentially specially-designed pipes buried in the ground, were installed on the Berryman farm and on a neighbouring property which uses a conventional fertiliser programme. Monthly water samples were taken from the flux meters and independently analysed.

During a twelve month period the Nitrate N levels from the Berryman property averaged less than 5mg/L, markedly lower than those from the neighbouring farm.

Peter Burton says the Ministry for the Environment classes levels less than 5.65mg/L (g/ m3) as acceptable from an environmental view point. While the research was initiated and funded by Eco-Logic as part of

the company’s own on-going research and development, it attracted the attention of the Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust, a collective of Taupo Federated Farmers and Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authorities focused on improving water quality in Rotorua lakes and the Waikato River.

Last year the trust commissioned AgFirst, an independent farm consultancy group, to undertake an assessment of the performance of the Berryman property compared to district average. The AgFirst study showed that the Berryman property in the 2011/12 season produced more kg of milk solids per hectare from pasture than the N driven property.

Using the overseer method of assessing pasture growth, the Berryman farm produced 19,300 kg DM/ha last season compared with the industry average of 14,800. Production has dropped on the Berryman farm this year to about 14,000kg DM/ha and cows were on once-a-day milking from March because of the drought which affected farmers throughout the district.

Less feed

The AgFirst report figures also showed the Berryman’s cows required 21 per cent less feed to produce a kilogram of milksolids compared to district average figure for a kilogram of milksolids, with a gross margin advantage of 38 per cent providing $1,621 more per ha for the season.

The Berryman property applied 16kg of nitrogen per hectare compared to the district average of 96kg N/ha, however, the important point says Peter Burton is that the Berryman farm is not suffering in terms of pasture growth and milk production by failing to use nitrogen fertilisers. While EcoLogics own findings support the use of its products, Peter says that’s not the over-riding objective. “We want what’s best for New Zealand and New Zealanders now and into the future. All the water we are ever going to have is here now so we should look after it, rather than trying to clean it up after we’ve made a mess of it.”

By Elaine Fisher

Page 19

DAIRY

Survey gets a fix on dairy water use Antibiotic resistance It’s been called our “competitive advantage” or “blue gold”.

By any name, freshwater is the basis of our agricultural production.

But it’s under increasing pressure. Summer droughts, seasonal water shortages and competing demand for the resource mean efficient water-use is more important than ever.

DairyNZ, for its part, is assisting farmers to use water more efficiently and reduce water loss on farm.

Data and information gained from a recent wateruse study on 13 dairy farms around the Waikato can help with this.

Daily water-use in the farm dairy was measured for eight weeks during the peak milking season. Nine of the 13 farms also monitored stock drinking water.

There was a good mix of farm dairy types, with nine herringbone sheds and four rotaries. Herd size ranged from 150 to 930. The study has provided some interesting early results.

Seventy litre per cow per day (l/cow/d) water-use in the dairy shed has long been used in the industry for planning purposes. (This number is derived from studies as far back as the 1980’s and considered peak demand). We were keen to get a fix on water-use with today’s farming practices relative to this 70 l/ cow/d figure.

For any system, get suppliers and installers to consider water-use efficiency in design, and install a system that enables you to meet efficiency goals.

Herd size

Herd size did not appear to be a determining factor either. The three farms with lowest water-use per cow had herds near the smallest, mid-range and second largest in the group. Lessons: shed set-up and dayto-day practices are crucial. Training and monitoring staff in their work pays off. One farm owner said: “It’s amazing how much less water we use when I do the yard wash down”.

Stock drinking water was very weather dependent (as you would expect), with water consumption ramping up during any run of hot, sunny days. The key, of course, is to ensure cows have all the water they need when they need it. This means careful attention to the farm water system.

One farm, milking 360 cows and averaging about 15m3 a day for stock water, spiked to 24m3 when an elbow on a water line, where it enters the trough, was sheared off by the cows. It was fixed, but blew off the next day taking the meter reading to 56m3 – a new daily record. The lesson (no surprises here): find leaks and fix ‘em fast and for good.

Meters

One purpose of the study was to learn more about correct meter installation and monitoring. The set-up at one farm appears to have led to some inaccuracies, so it has been excluded from preliminary results. First lesson: start with appropriate meter(s), properly installed.

Otherwise, just two of the 12 farms averaged more than 70 l/cow/d during the eight-week period. Three farms were in the 60-65 l/cow/d range, four were in the 55-59 l/cow/d range, and the other three had considerably lower rates.

There’s a common belief that rotary systems use more water than herringbones. However, two farms in the study with rotaries were ranked second and seventh most efficient, in terms of water-use per cow.

A third rotary – same size as the two above – ranked 12th overall. With a modern set-up and fixtures it used considerably more water.

Lesson here:

Twelve months

The study will continue with weekly meter readings to give us a 12-month record. It will be interesting to look at the effect of the drought on stock drinking water volumes.

DairyNZ intends to expand and build on this early work. Caleb Higham has recently joined the organisation as a graduate student. With support from DairyNZ, he will be pursuing a PhD in dairy farm water-use efficiency through Massey University.

In the meantime, farmers interested in tracking their own water-use should contact DairyNZ for a copy of the new resource ‘Smart Water Use in the Farm Dairy’. It includes a one-page worksheet to help estimate water-use (in the absence of metering).

It’s a great first step to getting a handle on how much water is being used on farm.

Gord Stewart is a specialist in water use and conservation. He is assisting DairyNZ with implementation of the Smart Water Use on Dairy Farms programme.

The elephant in the dairy

An increasing number of women milk harvesters are much more aware and concerned over the threat antibiotics used in animals (especially the penicillin derivatives) are to human health – and they are looking for ways to do cut down on antibiotics where possible.

They are reflecting the increasing worldwide concern over antibiotic resistance, developing in the bugs common to both animals and humans, which was discussed in our column in April Coast & Country and generated some interesting dialogue with farmers who want to bring about change.

Their goal is increased by what they see as blatant scaremongering and product promotion, by those selling and administering antibiotics. They don’t seem to have fully appreciated the recent press comments by Dame Sally Davies, Britain’s chief medical officer.

When someone of Dame Sally’s calibre describes antibiotic resistance as a ‘catastrophic threat’, then New Zealand farmers as major food exporters of ‘neutraceuticals’ need to take notice.

Many dairy farmers are being told that if they don’t follow the current best practice SmartSAMM, which includes blanket dry cow therapy, they risk falling

into a ‘big black hole’ of mastitis next spring.

Apart from wanting to be more clean, green and sustainable by getting rid of antibiotics, farmers can save $30+ per cow by not using DCT and teatseal. This is a major plus this season when cash is tight.

The woman farm worker who got penicillin on her lip while treating a cow recently, and went into serious shock, is another issue to make you think. Why was the farm using penicillin antibiotics in the first place, with bug resistance and human allergies to the drug now so widely known?

Farmers using the OMS Nutritional Supplement Plan during the last five years have successfully controlled mastitis during the dry period, as well as at the subsequent calving without antibiotics, teatseal or teat spray. Their stress levels over the fear of expensive inhibitory grades have also been eliminated.

These farmers have come to appreciate that the key to controlling mastitis in both the dry cow and after calving, is to have cows with fully functional immune systems at drying off. After this, a healthy cow can maintain her own health status from invading udder pathogens. The big black hole never opens.

Farmers on the OMS Plan this season are already looking forward to a low-cost, stress-free, and mastitis-free dry period and start to the next lactation. (Source Wormade).

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HUNT FISH EAT

Page 20

All girl team back to defend title The `No Nuts’ all woman team will be back to avenge its title and compete for a share of the $80,000 worth of prizes in the Polaris Big Four hunting and fishing competition run by the Quarry Community Sports Club in June.

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One of the event organisers Ken Griffin says the win gave the women the right to enter this yearSponsors and their success has spurred on other women to take part too.ELITE SPONSORS GOLD “We think there will be at least four or five women’s teams this time,” he says.

The No Nuts team of Rachael Blackie, manager, Stacey Rust, vet nurse, Bryar Bakalich, accountant and Paula Roberts, hotel manager, gained national and international attention when they beat off 77 other teams to win a $16,000 Polaris Ranger 500 by achieving the closest to average weight across the stag, boar, cock pheasant and trout they entered.

This year they will be up against as many as 99 other teams in the contest which runs from Tuesday June 25 to GOLD SPONSORS Saturday June 29.

“Once people have registered and attended the briefing they can go hunting and fishing where ever they chose, so long as they are back by weigh-in time.

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Rachael Blackie, Tauranga; Stacey Rust, Whakatane; Bryar Bakalich, Opotiki; and Paula Roberts, Whakatane; more than held their own at the Polaris Big Four competition in June.

The aim for each team is to bag a stag, boar, trout and pheasant, with team prizes based on average and individual prizes for the heaviest animals and fish and the best trout, best antlers and tusks, and best pheasant.

The annual event is growing in popularity and this year Australian teams are also expected to take part.

The Discovery Channel will be filming competitors, and former All Black Richard Loe will MC the prize giving at the Top Shot Pub at Te Puna.

The $80,000 in prizes include a Polaris Ranger 500, a free 12 month lease of a new Toyota Hilux, and a 2001 4X4 Mazda Bounty donated by Pacific Toyota as a spot prize for all entrants present at the weigh-in. The weigh-in is popular with spectators numbering 800 to 1000 people, including competitors, expected to watch the prize giving.

Permits required to hunt DOC land Everyone who goes hunting on Department of Conservation administered BRONZE land SPONSORS needs a DOC hunting permit which is free and can be applied for on-line, by phone or fax or at DOC area office or visitor centre.

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Permits cannot be transferred to, or be used by, anyone else.

There are two classifications for permits; open area hunting permits and restricted area hunting permits and the DOC website and offices have maps outlying which areas fall into each category.

Special conditions may apply in some open hunting areas and the permit is only valid within the boundaries of the open hunting area. In some areas the special conditions will require a separate dog permit.

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Permits for restricted areas are only available from the DOC office that manages hunting in the restricted area. They are not available online. For more information visit www.doc.govt.nz

Page 21

FIELDAYS

Getting down to business at Fieldays The National Agricultural Fieldays in June will be a showcase for New Zealand’s primary industries and an excellent venue for talking about how to ensure future growth, says Ministry for Primary Industries director-general Wayne McNee.

“It’s an event where rural people of every kind come together and we’re excited to be part of it.”

MPI will have a hub in the main pavilion at the Mystery Creek event, as well as running a

series of seminars open to all visitors.

“MPI views its role as partnering with and enabling the primary industries, with a particular focus on supporting growth in the value of exports. This will be built on an understanding of industry participants’ challenges and opportunities,” says Wayne.

“The Fieldays theme: ‘Getting down to business in the global economy’ is one that MPI relates to strongly. We invite visitors to attend our seminars where we will tease out what this means in practice, or visit us at the hub.

We’d like visitors to leave with a better sense of what MPI does

and why it matters to them.”

Jon Calder, NZ National Agricultural Fieldays CEO says: “Fieldays’ focus has always been on the advancement of New Zealand agriculture on the domestic and now global stage.

“New Zealand's export growth is critical to our success as a nation, and MPI play a vital role in working with and supporting the pri-

mary sector to deliver and realise its potential.

“Fieldays’ partnership with MPI creates new opportunities to work together and explore fresh ways to take New Zealand's Agriculture and Primary Sector to the world."

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held 12-15 June 2013 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, 10 minutes south of Hamilton.

The 45th Fieldays is a window into world leading agri-economy With the world’s population forecast to grow to nine billion by 2050, New Zealand’s agribusiness sector is uniquely placed to provide solutions for improving productivity, efficiency and effectiveness on the global stage, says Jon Calder CEO of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society.

The 2013 Fieldays' premier feature “Getting down to business in the global economy” is timely, he says.

It recognises the opportunity and challenge ahead of New Zealand, as a nation, to capitalise on its strength as a global leader in pastoral farming and agricultural innovation; and providing the intellectual know-how, systems and technology to meet the increasing global demand for high quality, safe and sustainable agricultural production.

“With innovation as one of Fieldays’ founding principles, at the heart of the event our Innovation Centre will grow in 2013 as we look to create new categories and develop a support programme enabling innovators to develop and market their inventions.”

International visitors to Fieldays in 2012 exceeded 700, with delegations from more than 20 nations. “Our newly forged relationships with India and China will see our international numbers grow in 2013, providing further opportunity for our exhibitors to showcase their products and services on a truly global stage.”

John says the Mystery Creek Events Centre, the home of Fieldays, is evolving with more than $6 million invested in new buildings and land in the last 12 months.

“We have developed a master plan which provides the framework for the 115ha campus to develop during the next 15 to 20 years.

“In addition, our sustainability programme is now in place as we work towards both the Events Centre and Fieldays being accredited with ISO 20121:2012 for sustainable event management.

“Fieldays is one of the world’s premier agricultural and agribusiness expos.

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Page 22

Trans-Tasman rivalry in bachelor title The search is on for the 2013 Fieldays’ Rural Bachelor of the Year and he may not necessarily be a Kiwi.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays communications executive Vicki Annison said in keeping with the 2013 event’s global theme, the rural bachelor competition is going TransTasman with organisers searching for two Australians to join six kiwi blokes in the contest.

A single bloke who can drive a digger, reverse a trailer, chainsaw a tree and then rustle up a roast dinner is perfect for Fieldays’ Rural Bachelor of the Year and entries for the competition are now open for hard-working rural men to represent the farming community.

In an “Amazing Race” style twist to the competition, entrants will be flown to a secret location on Monday, June 10 and have to make their way to Fieldays by 5pm the following day, stopping in specific towns along the way to complete various tasks.

Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the year Nick Torrens with the golden gumboot trophy and his fellow competitors in the 2010 event.

“Our bachelors must be prepared to roll their sleeves up and get into whatever is required plus be up for some mystery and fun. Once at Fieldays the bachelors will take part in four days of events, testing their rurally-derived skills, No.8 wire innovative attitude and good all-round charisma in a number of competitive heats,” says Vicki.

“While the requirements and topics of the finalist events are kept under wraps until Fieldays we can divulge that they are largely agricultural-based but will have a few fun twists thrown in to challenge the

character of our rural boys.

“The competition is a serious challenge but also a huge amount of fun and laughter. Fans of Fieldays’ Rural Bachelor of the Year will be able to read up about the selected finalists and follow their exploits on social media prior to and during the event.”

Competitors can expect to gain many female fans during the event but the most important thing on everyone’s mind will be the battle for the coveted “Golden Gumboot” trophy and the title Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year.

“If you know of a suitable rural bachelor, get them to head over to the Fieldays’ website now where they can apply online,” says Vicki.

Eligible contestants must be over 18, work in the rural industry, ooze Kiwi/Aussie bloke charm and most importantly, be single.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is on June 12-15 2013 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, 10 minutes south of Hamilton.

For more information, head to the Fieldays website: www.fieldays. co.nz/ruralbachelor2013

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Page 23

FIELDAYS

Feeding soil speeds drought recovery The Cyclone Multi-Task Sprayer will handle solid and liquid materials.

The drought is now a not too distant memory, but the effects for many will linger on.

Estimates say it will take three or more years before full recovery occurs. Yet, if you take a drive you will see a few farms that appear not to have been affected at all. It is probably a good time to stop into those farms and find out what those farmers are doing.

Chances are they have good biological soil practices.

This would include: • Not over using harsh chemicals and syntheticbased fertilisers.

• Feeding the soil with biological food resources such as compost, seaweed, humates.

• Going to long rounds where animals enter paddocks with 3000 to 6000 kilogram of dry matter and come out leaving more than 2000 kg DM, at least for part of the year. This will preserve moisture and protect soil biology.

• Pasture species should be encouraged to go to seed. Seeding pastures can produce about 300kg of seed per hectare. This seed bank is invaluable after droughts have killed off existing pastures.

• Diversifying pastures with deep rooting and drought tolerant species like plantain and chicory.

Soil biology is the nutrient delivery system for any sustainable farming system. We know that when compost piles drop below 40 per cent moisture, biology starts to go to sleep, when it drops below 20 per cent many organisms die off permanently. If the same holds true in soils we probably have many soils around the North Island with reduced numbers of microorganisms. Although soil biology will recover over time, you can significantly speed up that process with good post-drought management. Here are a few things to consider this autumn: Apply compost. There is nothing better you can do for your soil, especially after drought, than apply compost. It should be part of your total soil fertility programme. Compost contains billions of microorganisms and if you buy a high quality product it will contain the diversity of organisms to get your soil going fast.

Apply foods such as seaweed, fish, humates and molasses. A simple way to get this all done at once is to combine inputs into a liquid system like the Cyclone Multi-Task Sprayer which will handle solid and liquid material. Designed specifically for applying compost in a liquid form, this could be your quickest road to drought recovery. By Steve Erickson

Beams & Timber Direct Ltd (BTD)

Page 24

FIELDAYS

Handmade boots for Kiwi feet Like just about everything else about Kiwis, their foot shape is unique.

That’s why for 50 years, Lastrite Footwear has been using lasts (mechanical forms on which footwear is made) designed for New Zealand feet to hand-make boots and shoes.

The result is wellfitting, rugged boots and shoes that look good, are comfortable and last the distance, says Neville The Lastrite Brunker of Lastrite Foot- paree boot is one wear in Whangarei. of its extensive “Over the years we have range of handmade refined pattern designs, boots and shoes. introduced new lightweight materials to meet new lifestyle trends and altered sizes to meet changing foot sizes and shapes.”

What hasn’t changed is Lastrite’s commitment to rugged construction of shoes and boots which are made with New Zealand leather from Tasman Tan-

nery, stitched and screwed for durability.

Neville says people don’t mind paying for quality when they know they are receiving real value for money and the personal touch.

Lastrite, which will be at the National Fieldays site O16, has a retail store in Whangarei and sells online too. Its range includes work boots, in particular for the forestry, horticultural, sheep and beef farming industries, tramping boots, dress boots for women in a variety of colours, sandals and casual jodhpur boots for men, and men’s dress wear boots.

The company recently purchased Mainland Boots of Christchurch which had a Japanese contract to supply traditionally-made leather shoes and boots to a top-end market, and as a result, now supplies to Japan, America and Northern Ireland.

Eight staff work in the Whangarei factory where each boot, shoe or sandal is individually handmade to a very high standard. It’s an age old craft method dating back hundreds of years.

To see videos on footwear making, visit the website www.lastrite.co.nz

Punishing possums school fund raiser Calling all hunting enthusiasts – gather your troops, spotlights and rifles and send in your entries for Lake Rerewhakaaitu School’s annual ‘Possum Punishment’ event.

The ever popular competition gets underway on Thursday, June 13 and concludes on Sunday, June 16 with the final tally and prize-giving. Teams may choose to hunt during the extended weekend or simply for one night.

Participants will not only enjoy a great Kiwi adventure, but also the chance to do their bit for our native flora and fauna, while supporting a small but vibrant rural school in the heart of a forestry and farming community.

A range of fantastic prizes valued in excess of $5000 is on offer, including generous cash vouchers thanks to key sponsor the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and hunting equipment from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand. The competition also enjoys strong support from the Department of Conservation.

While the event is hosted by Lake Rerewhakaaitu School, 30 minutes south of Rotorua, hunting is not restricted to the local area. “With a great range of prizes up for grabs this weekend always attracts strong entries,” says school PTA chairperson Angela Robinson. “We are keen to let people know that there aren’t geographical restrictions, so long as you have your possums in Rerewhakaaitu for tally by Sunday morning.

This is such a fun event and as well as the fundraising aspect for us, it helps to reduce the number of possums, who as we all know, cause considerable damage to our environment.”

The event encourages the safe and responsible use of

firearms. Each team must have at least one adult with a current firearms licence, and participants must have the owner’s permission and any necessary permits to enter and hunt on private property. “Possums are our target species, as we gain additional funds from selling their fur,” says Angela. “Although we do also accept rabbits, hares and ferrets.”

As well as prizes for the most possums and the heaviest possum, there are fun categories in the event such as best team name and tally guess. Sunday’s prize-giving at the Lake Rerewhakaaitu Domain will include a host of great spot prizes and tired hunters will be able to enjoy a sausage sizzle or purchase a traditional hangi meal.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu School principal Patricia McGee is enthusiastic regarding this year’s event.

“Possum Punishment is a fantastic fund raising opportunity for our school helping with the upkeep and maintenance of our swimming pool, and this year we are planning to support student leadership development, sports teams and school trips, and provide funds for new library books and learning resources.

For more information or to register your team for this year’s ‘Possum Punishment’ event, contact Angela Robinson by phone on (07) 3666 697. By Jo Roberts

LYNDON HARROWS AND ENGINEERING LIMITED

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FIELDAYS

Aiding the organic development of plants Life forms such as bacteria and earthworms, which are dependent on humus content, contribute a lot to the maintenance of the soil structure.

The use of humates can prevent soil cracking, which exposes roots to the air and can cause crops to burn in severe heat conditions.

Since organic matter is not water

soluble, soil with high humus content is less likely to be subject to water erosion.

Native soil humic substances enhance plant growth both directly and indirectly. Physically, they promote good soil structure and increase the water holding capacity of the soil. Biologically, they affect the activities of microorganisms. Chemically, they serve as an adsorption and retention complex for inorganic plant nutrients.

Nutritionally, they are sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur for plants and microorganisms. All of these effects increase the productivity of the soil.

Humic acids can have a direct positive effect on plant growth in a number of ways. Both plant root and top growth have been stimulated by humates, but the effect is usually more prominent in the roots. A proliferation in root growth, resulting in an increased

Levy for all citrus growers proposed A move to have all growers paying a single commodity levy will benefit the citrus industry, says New Zealand Citrus Growers Inc chairman Rick Curtis, of Kerikeri.

Currently NZCGI has commodity levies in place for navel oranges and satsuma mandarins but levies on other citrus fruit are paid on a voluntary basis. Rick says NZCGI feels that the time is right to move from the mix of commodity and voluntary levies to levies being paid on all citrus fruit.

He is encouraging growers to read the information sent to them and provide feedback to NZCGI and then to participate in the levy vote in June.

Consultation with citrus growers throughout New Zealand is now underway on the proposal for a single commodity levy on all citrus fruit.

NZCGI currently operates three products groups – mandarin; orange and tangelo; and lemon, lime and grapefruit, and there are no intentions to alter this structure.

Funds that are collected into each product group will be accounted for separately. Decisions on whether to fund projects will be made by each product group although in many cases, the three product groups will work together to fund mutually beneficial work.

NZCGI intends to maintain the current levy rates for the mandarin product group ($0.005/kg) and orange and tangelo group ($0.01/ kg) and the levy rate for lemon lime and grapefruit will decrease from its current rate of $0.02/kg to $0.01/kg. It is possible to maintain the same level of research and development investment in the LLG group even if the levy rate is halved because all growers will be paying.

Levy funds will be invested

mostly in research and development activities but projects on export market development, generic promotion, quality assurance, education and information, grower representation are also permitted along with, administration costs. The levy will not be spent on any trading or commercial activity.

NZCGI has sent a discussion paper outlining the proposal to all known citrus growers in New Zealand. Any grower who has not received a copy is asked to contact NZCGI to be added to the mailing list.

Only growers on the mailing list will receive ballot papers for the postal referendum to be held in June. NZCGI encourages citrus growers to read the discussion paper and provide feedback on the proposal prior to the ballot.

Growers can contact NZCGI if they wish to know more about the proposal or have a meeting in their region.

Email: info@citrus.co.nz

efficiency of the root system, is a likely cause of higher plant yields seen in response to humic acid treatment.

Humic matter has been shown to increase the uptake of nitrogen by plants, and to increase soil nitrogen utilization efficiency. It can also enhance the uptake of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Humic and fulvic acids are soluble in water and make available to plants, nutrients and trace minerals that would be otherwise unavailable.

Fulvic acids are very small molecules.

They are also loaded with oxygen.

Because they are so small, they can easily move through the cell wall, and enter

the cell of the plant. Fulvic acids are the carriers of nutrients. They transport the nutrients to the plant. It’s the fulvic acids that allow the plant to absorb the organic formula so quickly.

Let’s not forget to mention carbon, and its tremendous benefits to the soil microbes. Fulvic acids are the “carbon carriers” in the fertilizer. Humic substances and humates are an excellent source of carbon, which is vital to all life. When humic substances are blended with other soil amendments it can make a very powerful combination in the organic development of plants.

Dave Whitteker, sales manager NZ Humates Ltd.

FIELDAYS

Page 26

Family thought bridge was safe

A bridge was the only access way to a farm owner’s home and business and they had assumed that it was safe.

It was being used every day by family and their business that was until a delivery truck visiting the property went through the deck and the bridge partly collapsed on one side. Thankfully no-one was hurt and they were able to tow the truck from the bridge.

However, the outcome could have been much worse with significant implications. With no vehicle access to their property, Bridge IT NZ visited the site and identified extensive rust and structural deterioration.

This incident was avoidable.

Bridge It NZ staff see all manner of bridge conditions and the company advises that bridges need to be regularly checked underneath as well as the deck, kerbing and hand rails. The bridge should be assessed to ensure it is suitable for its current and emerging use and Bridge It was able to offer advice or bridge certification.

The company also repairs and upgrades old bridges and builds new bridges. It provides a design and build, fully engineered, “turn-key” solution to bridging requirements including management of the necessary building and resource consents.

Bridge It will be at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays, at site K8.

The family who used this bridge had thought it was safe, until it collapsed under a delivery vehicle.

The Fieldays AgArt Wear contest which showcases weird and wonderful outfits made from materials found on the farm draws large crowds each year, enthralled by the ingenuity of the entrants.

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Rosie the New Zealand dairy industry’s ‘Cowbassador’ making friends at Fieldays 2012.

Farm Machinery Centre

Page 27

FIELDAYS

There aren’t too many real animals but exhibitors use largerthan-life models like this ram to attract attention and promote their products at the Mystery Creek Fieldays

Above:The Mystery Creek Fieldays site turns into a temporary ‘city’ in June each year Left and right characters from historic to futuristic can be found at Fieldays every year, adding to the colour of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural show.

Scholarship for farm run-off study Finding novel ways to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrient in run-off from farmland has won a University of Waikato student a Fieldays scholarship that’s now into its second year.

Dylan Clarke won the Sir Don Llewellyn Scholarship worth $22,000 to co-fund his PhD research which will investigate the effectiveness of different tools for trapping nutrients and sediment from water leaving farmland during heavy rain. The aim is to help find solutions that farmers will consider practical and are willing to use.

Dylan grew up on a 450 ha dry-stock farm in the Muriwai Valley, and a combination of being a farmer’s son and an environmental scientist has led him to research ways to treat farm run-off.

“It’s awesome that the Fieldays Society sees this as something that needs research attention. It’s an issue that needs a pragmatic solution and I hope my research will contribute to that,” says Dylan.

Jon Calder, chief executive officer at NZ National Fieldays Society, says: “The New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays Sir Don Llewellyn Scholarship is an important part of our programme to support the advancement of agriculture in New Zealand. We are incredibly supportive of the research and technology that the University of Waikato drives into improving agriculture and we are proud to support Dylan’s work, the results of which could be highly beneficial not just to farmers but the environment”.

University of Waikato vice-chancellor professor Roy Crawford says the Fieldays scholarship was introduced to fund highly relevant research that will make real-

world differences to the agricultural industry.

“We established the scholarship last year in partnership with the NZ National Fieldays Society to help fund students completing research that we believe will change how people farm.”

Fieldays takes place on June 12-15 at Mystery Creek near Hamilton.

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FIELDAYS

Innovators called to dragon’s den A new ‘Dragon’s Den’ style enterprise event will be part of the 2013 Fieldays.

Soda Inc, the creative industries business incubator – which is a joint venture between Hamilton City Council and Wintec, has signed a partnership agreement with Fieldays to co-create a new event that will see New Zealand inventors pitching to investors at Fieldays 2013.

Soda Inc will select up to 10 commercially viable inventions participating in the Fieldays Innovation Centre to showcase and will support the inventors to get their invention pitch-ready prior to the big event.

The event will follow a similar format to the acclaimed ‘Dragon’s Den’ TV programme where participants pitch their inventions to a panel of esteemed investors and business leaders in the hope of securing advice and investment.

The Fieldays Innovation Den judging panel will feature influential business moguls and investors from around New Zealand including Ray Thompson, who is also the NZ Angel Association Chair.

The event will be a highlight of the ‘Innovation Centre’ and will give national inventors the chance to obtain knowledge about the business world and how to take their inventions into global markets.

“Innovation has always been at the heart of Fieldays,” says Jon Calder, NZ National Agricultural Fieldays CEO. “It’s one of the principles on which Fieldays was founded and we’ve seen a number of individuals and companies launch new products and innovations at Fieldays, going on to achieve global success. Our partnership with Soda builds on Fieldays success and enables us to help foster entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity in new ways, creating a programme which gives aspiring innovators a path to market.”

“Soda is excited about joining forces with Fieldays to create this new Innovation Den. It's a great opportunity to help New Zealand investors to spot some great inventions worthy of investment.

“It will also provide support to Kiwi inventors who are really motivated and want to develop their skills to help build a viable business model around their

inventions to take them into global markets,” says Soda CEO Cheryl Reynolds.

“The investment community is also excited about this showcase as it shines a spotlight on potential investment opportunities for New Zealand investors.”

Soda will be located within the Premier Feature throughout Fieldays, providing 15 minute business start-up advice sessions to those who have an idea they want to test out.

To find out more about the Innovation Den, and how to enter the Innovation Centre Competition, visit: www.fieldays. co.nz/innovationcompetition2013.

Overcoming sulphation in lead-acid batteries Sulphation is a major problem with lead-acid batteries and the less they’re used the worse it is.

“All batteries sulphate,” says Gerard Anselmi of Recharge, “you buy them with sulphation and they only get worse till they die.”

Recharge team will be at their usual site “K-19a” at Mystery Creek Fieldays again this June.

Recharge will dissolve those sulphur ions back into the electrolyte to hold the charge again.

“The battery regains its capacity and stops corrosion of lead plates. A lot of battery users in our Recharge Conditioning Programme are getting eight to 10 years from most batteries and a whole lot more from some of their better quality and deep cycle batteries,” says Gerard. “Simply dose them early, treat every two to three years and keep them charged, and this programme effectively eliminates the sulphation problem.”

“After 14 years on the market in New Zealand we have a very strong following especially in the farming and motorhome fraternity so if in doubt please ask some of your fellow users or

check out the testimonials on our website,” says Gerard. By buying Recharge in the 500ml bottle, a car battery can be treated for about $5.

Recharge is available from Farmlands or Auto-One in the NI and CRT Farmcentres or Butlers AutoMarts in the South Island.

“And yes you can treat sealed batteries. Just contact us to find out how.

Recharge is also great for deep cycle batteries like forklifts, golf-carts, scissorhoists and lighting batteries all of which can be worth many thousands of dollars so you may as well make them go as long as they can and save on unnecessary replacement cost.”

Gerard and the Recharge team will be at their usual site “K-19a” at Mystery Creek Fieldays again this June 12 to 15.

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FIELDAYS

Bull immensely relaxed with public Awhea Immense weighs 1300 kg but the Hereford bull is so placid his owners were happy for children to have their photo taken with him at the Te Aroha Race Course in April.

Steven and Lauren Morgan of Joshstar Herefords of Huntly were invited by Silver Fern Farms to take Immense along to the race course for a photo shoot as part of the company’s community open day for its new Te Aroha plant.

Nicholas White (12) and Luke Thompson (12) pose with Awhea Immense and his owner Steve Morgan at the Silver Fern Farms community day at Te Aroha.

Largest free trade zone on earth Japan looks set to join the negotiations on what could become largest free trade zone on earth, says Federated Farmers President Bruce Wills.

“Japan has taken a giant step towards joining the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations.

“Right now, tariffs alone on New Zealand’s red meat exports are costing each New Zealand sheep and beef farmers some $19,000

in lost income each year.

“This is why Federated Farmers is committed to doing our best to see these barriers fall. It is why we thank the material support of Beef+LambNZ, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“As we see it, the opportunity is not just for New Zealand but in helping our colleagues to farm better.

We cannot hope to feed the entire world but New Zealand has so much to offer in going a long way to achieving it.” Bruce says.

“We were happy to bring him along and to use the opportunity to promote Hereford beef,” said Steve.

Among those to pose for their picture were friends Nicholas White (12) and Luke Thompson (12). It was the first time the boys, and indeed most who had their pictures taken with the bull, had been that close to such a big animal, but Immense appeared unimpressed with the attention.

“He has a very quiet nature, which is fairly typical of Herefords.

“Over the years any bad temperament has been bred out of the breed,” said Steve.

That quiet nature contributes to extra tender meat because the animals

are much less likely to become stressed, said Steve. Immense is now five and last year won the prestigious Meat and Wool Cup at the Royal Show in Hamilton.

It was the second year Joshstar had been presented with the cup for sire Awhea Immense – the supreme beef animal of the show. To be eligible for the Meat and Wool Cup, animals must first be judged supreme champion of the breed.

Steve and Lauren also took major awards at the 2012 Auckland Royal Easter Show with their pure-bred Hereford cattle, including the supreme champion Hereford and the Beef Breeds supreme champion.

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Page 30

Calling young growers Entries are open for the 2013 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year, contest.

The day-long event is on June 26 with a range of theoretical and practical activities followed by a speech and quiz.

The winner who will represent the region at the NZ Young Fruit

Grower and Young Grower of the Year competition receives $1500 in cash, the runner-up $100 and second runner-up $500.

Applications close on May 31 at 4pm. Contact Toby Potter 027 703 3812 or email toby.potter@eastpack.co.nz or Mike Chapman on 027 487 426, email mike.chapman@nzkgi.org.nz

Well-known brands here to stay Milfos and WestfaliaSurge brands won’t be disappearing from the New Zealand dairy industry, says GEA Group general manager Mr Jamie Mikkelson.

“The acquisition of Milfos by GEA in November last year fuelled a lot of speculation in the industry.

We’ve heard everything from all WestfaliaSurge dealers have been sacked, to Milfos is broke and going out of business, and even that Milfos equipment is no longer New Zealand made.

None of this is the least bit true,” says Jamie.

“We’ve purposely been a bit quiet as we’ve brought together our sales, customer service and operations teams under one umbrella. Unfortunately our quietness created some uncertainty and speculation about the future of these products in New Zealand.

“So much so that I felt it was time to speak out on behalf of our team that Milfos and WestfaliaSurge are here to stay. And, we’ve got a firm strategy for keeping and growing these brands in the market – a strategy that centres around what’s best for New Zealand farmers.”

Jamie says that Milfos and FIL products will continue to be manufactured in Hamilton and Mount Maunganui, respectively.

He made the comments at the same time as GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand announced that it has finalised its service partner network and launched

a unique on-farm support service for dairy farmers across milking equipment, effluent management and animal hygiene and health products.

Internationally the GEA Group is one of the largest system providers for food and energy processes. In 2012 it generated around EUR $5.7 billion in revenue.

GEA Farm Technologies in New Zealand owns and markets five dairy industry product brands: milking machine and farm management equipment from Milfos and WestfaliaSurge; dairy hygiene and animal health supplies from FIL; effluent handling equipment from Houle; and barn equipment supplies from Norbco. It has 35 service providers nationwide - 26 of them servicing WestfaliaSurge sheds. It has seven field service technicians, 11 area managers and 16 hygiene and animal health experts across the country.

Prior to heading up GEA Farm Technologies, Jamie Mikkelson played a key role – alongside industry stalwart and Milfos director, the late Philip Locke – in building Milfos from a start-up to a recognised industry leader.

He said he is looking forward to transferring this knowledge and experience into his new role.

“I had the privilege of spending 20 years with Milfos working with the team to build it into one of the most respected milking machine companies in the industry.

“I’m now looking forward to working with our combined team at GEA to take not only Milfos, but WestfaliaSurge, FIL, Norbco and Houle to the top of the industry.”

Page 31

RURAL DRIVER

Country beckons in Mazda BT50 Ute

Head for the hills was the call when Sideline Sid picked up a Mazda BT50 double cab ute from Ultimate Motor Group in Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui.

Western Bay for those who make the journey to the top. In what is mountain bikers’ heaven, there is a multitude of trails that wander through native forest and rolling farmland, with a swooping single track raceway taking centre stage for the adrenaline junkie.

The first thing to impress about the Mazda BT50 was the huge range of After picking up Derek from options on offer.

Mount Bikes, who was on From single to double and freea quest for a downhill blat style cabs (pillar-less rear door), on his mountain bike, we along with a choice of manual headed for Summerhill Farm or automatic transmission and near the top of the Papa2WD or 4WD options, every moa Hills. Given there was a base is covered in the ute range. narrow 3km climb from WelOur choice for the test drive was sideline come Bay Rd, the intention was a Mazda BT50 2WD double cab to give the Mazda ute a solid off top of the range GSX. The BT-50 (the main) road workout. double cab is a seriously heavy It is hard to believe that the duty ute for rural use but also Papamoa Hills farm park is just 20 would not be out of place taking the minutes from the centre of Tauranga, family to town.

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Page 32

RURAL DRIVER

Takes to off-road like a duck to water Mazda BT-50 2WD Double Cab GSX

Engine Type: 3.2 litre in-line 5 cylinder 20 valve DOHC intercooled turbo diesel Engine Displacement: 3198cc Fuel System: electronic direct injection Steering Type: Rack and pinion hydraulic power assist steering Suspension: Independent double wishbone with coil over dampers and anti-roll bar Price: From $42,695 to $48,195 Contact: Ultimate Motor Group 07 579 0180

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all the trappings of a family car on the inside. The cabin wraps around the driver like a glove with all the latest high tech features of a sedan.

From audio to trip computers with cruise control, audio and today’s standard bluetooth controls all on the steering wheel. We had some fun with the voice activated audio controls, speaking to a voice, which seemed to be totally confused by my voice prompts.

The Mazda BT50 carries a maximum 5-star safety rating, with its responsive handling and steering meaning that the vehicle is well placed to avoid potential trouble.

The Mazda BT50 has a top class safety arsenal. Following on from the high tensile steel reinforced body shell are front airbags and head protection curtain airbags in all models.

All seats have three positions for seatbelts with the front seats having pre-tensioners and load limiters. A key safety feature is the Roll Stability Control (RSC) which closely monitors the vehicles speed and steering

So pack it full of tools, throw a large load on the back or hook up a big load and you are ready for action.

On hitting the main highway, it felt like we were driving a smoothly responsive SUV, however when turning up Reid Rd in Welcome Bay, we started to find out the Mazda BT50’s additional capabilities. Driving on to the metal part of Reid Rd, the Mazda BT50 took to the off- road conditions like a duck to water, with the town car feel still in action.

The Mazda BT50 is a serious heavy hitter in the utility vehicle market.

Lifting the bonnet reveals a new generation turbo diesel engine that squeezes out more muscle for less fuel. Boosted by a variable geometry turbocharger, the punchy 3.2 litre engine has multitude of grunt that easily overpowers any challenge.

As the ads on television say: “Wait There’s More”, the BT50 looks like a work vehicle on the outside, but has

angle - which means if a load on the back of the ute looks like it’s going to tip over in transit, the vehicle takes precautionary measures to prevent a roll over.

However, it is as a genuine workhorse that the Mazda BT50 stands above the opposition. You can load up the Mazda ute with a truck load of goods in the back or tow up to a big 3500 kg behind the ute. A unique feature of the double cab is the storage area under the rear seats.

The Mazda BT50 is an ideal ute for long distance travel. With a certified 8.4 litre per 100km for the manual, and 8.9 litre for the automatic version which, coupled with a huge 80 litre fuel tank, means that the Mazda ute could easily travel from Auckland to Wellington on a single fill of diesel.

My final impression of the Mazda BT50 is that it’s a rural workhorse, with plenty of grunt, which could be washed and cleaned to take the family to town in comfort.

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

A collection of engines

Farm and military machines and vehicles were on display at the Tauranga Vintage and Machinery Club Expo in April.

Photos by Zoe Hunter.

Katikati man Keith Hayman loves engines. He loves to make old machinery look new again.

Keith, who is a member of the New Zealand Vintage Machinery Club, has been collecting engines since 1972 and has more than 85 engines in his collection.

It was an old engine which sparked Keith’s desire to recondition rusted and unused engines.

Keith was picking up a part for an engine at Eureka one day when he noticed an old engine hidden behind a shed.

“It bit me figuratively and literally.”

Keith has scars from where the rusted engines ripped through the skin on his fingers. But this didn’t deter him. He says scars can heal – the only thing that will stay with him forever is his love for engines.

“I collect New Zealand made engines, engines of different designs, English diesel engines, engines that are just interesting for their own reason.

“I’m interested in engines. To me engines are fascinating.”

He says he does not have a favourite.

“They all are in some way because there’s something about them that is interesting to me.”

One of the smaller engines in his collection featured at the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club Expo at the Lakes on Sunday, April 7.

The machine, originally made by the Ronaldson Brothers and Tippet, was fitted with a particularly historical piece of metal - the centrifugal pump.

The centrifugal pump, cleaned, painted and fixed

by Keith, was used in the Te Puke dairy factory in the early 1990’s for the commercial production of butter.

Milk was made using the centrifugal pump which forced most of the water out to make butter.

“It’s a bit of local history. People may not know that

By Zoe Hunter this sort of thing existed before.”

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Page 36

FARM SAFETY

Hidden cameras aid farm security It is easy to underestimate the vulnerability of farms and lifestyle blocks when it comes to theft of property and stock or damage to fences and buildings, says Greg Pringle from All Seasons Security.

Because rural communities generally have a strong sense of community there is a feeling that no one would do the unthinkable – vandalise, steal from or damage such properties.

“However, while isolation may work for farms in one sense, it sometimes works against them by leaving them vulnerable.

“That’s why it’s important to put in place safeguards which protect such properties from the thefts of quad bikes, fuel, battery and vehicles, stock, tools and more.

Many land owners will also want protection for forested areas and to prevent milk vat contamination by keeping intruders at bay.”

Greg says a DVR recorder installed in the shed, home or office connected to a monitor, or even to the home TV for easy viewing, is an effective way to monitor what is going on around the farm and in places such as driveways, tool sheds, milk vats and on-site fuel tanks.

Recorders used along with multiple cameras can moni-

tor a wide area and will, for example, offer a memory of between one and six months of information via a re-writing hard drive system.

“Early footage is automatically deleted and replaced with new footage, thereby always providing a full hard drive of current information.

“All data is timed, dated, in colour, and ready for immediate transfer to a USB stick so that it can be provided to the police for swift action.”

Greg says in the first instance farmers and small block owners might opt for a single camera and DVR installation which provides the option to add more cameras so the system can be expanded down the track.

“Remember, driveway cameras should be hidden otherwise they are likely to be stolen.”

Registration capture is an All Season Security speciality and Greg says results are excellent both day and night.

“Motion detection is another feature which allows footage to be viewed via the internet and smart phones.

Of course, a variety of systems and options are available including a powerful infrared ‘spy’ camera designed for covert use and for the outdoors.

“It’s camouflage design blends into the surroundings and it comes with a number of useful features. What’s more, it is weather-resistant and air-tight making it ideal for around-the-farm surveillance.”

Encouraging people to call in country crime People in rural communities are being encouraged to speak up about suspicious or criminal activity with the crime prevention advocate Crimestoppers re-launching its rural campaign.

The 'Shut the gate on rural crime' campaign aims to give individuals in rural communities greater confidence to voice their concerns anonymously by using Crimestoppers' free 0800 number which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Crimestoppers CEO Jude Mannion says the campaign’s message is: “we all have to step up and make a good call”.

“If we see something suspicious or dangerous happen in our local rural communities – anyone who contacts Crimestoppers remains anonymous,” says Jude.

“Police tell us that one in four reports, that we pass onto them from the Crimestoppers’ line, are actionable – which means police can take action on it.”

Stickers

As part of the campaign, which is supported by New Zealand's leading rural insurer FMG and New Zealand Post, rural households will receive ‘It's your call’ stickers to place around their properties, posters, fridge magnets, and business cards with Crimestoppers’ contact details.

While some rural people don’t want to report on others in their neighbourhood, Jude says Crimestoppers’ makes it easy for these individuals. “You can get it off your chest – whether it is a real crime or not.”

“If you live in a small, close-knit

community and you’re losing stock or equipment and do not want to point the finger or speak to police – then Crimestoppers gives you another channel to record what you have seen,” says Jude.

She is encouraging farmers and landowners to place stickers on letterboxes, barn doors and farm gates, “so if a criminal does sneak up your driveway hopefully it’s a target to put them off ”.

Support

Jude believes this is the first time a rural company is supporting Crimestoppers and police in a rural crime prevention initiative, thanks to FMG getting on board.

FMG’s manager of advice and insurance Conrad Wilkshire says, as New Zealand’s leading rural insurer, his organisation works closely with farmers and those within rural communities, so it made perfect sense for them to get involved.

FMG is funding the promotional material, which can be ordered by New Zealand’s 12 police districts, and New Zealand Post is delivering promotional packs to rural properties free of charge.

“We’re proud to be part of the campaign, because as a rural insurer, we know the impact crime can have on people, as we either fund the outcome of a crime, or re-instate the loss from criminal activity,” says Conrad.

He says a piece of information that may seem small in itself could be the vital clue police need to solve a wider pattern of offending.

“I think Crimestoppers empowers rural people. Sometimes, being rural can make people feel isolated and I believe this initiative will give these communities a stronger voice and the confidence collectively to use that voice.”

Overall FMG is not seeing an

increase in rural claims “but we’re always looking at ways to reduce the number of claims we receive”.

The company has information on crime prevention and how to spot tell-tale signs of criminal activity posted online at: www.youtube.com It also runs a risk services business unit to help with prevention of crime in their industry. “The easiest way to deal with insurance claims is to prevent them occurring,” says Conrad.

Crimestoppers chairman John Perham - a rural resident himself - says about 35 per cent of all calls to Crimestoppers' come from rural areas.

The organisation receives about 1500 calls and secure online reports per month and this number has been steadily increasing each month since Crimestoppers began in late 2009.

Information

“Every call could potentially hold valuable information. Whether it’s stock or machinery being stolen or sold too cheaply or odd movements of people around an isolated area, every contribution helps to fill in the gaps,” says John.

Assistant Police commissioner Grant Nicholls says police are backing the campaign. "If people have information on crime or suspicious activity our preference is always for them to talk to the police first, but if for whatever reason they don't want to do that, we're encouraging them to pass on what they know to Crimestoppers,” says Grant.

“Mainly, we want people to make a good call – everyone has a part to play in keeping our rural communities safe and crime-free,” says Jude.

To contact Crimestoppers, call 0800 555 111 or fill in a secure online form at: www.crimestoppers-nz.org

By Merle Foster

FORESTRY

Page 37

Keeping region free of kauri dieback Dirt on the soles of just one pair of boots could introduce a deadly kauri disease to the Coromandel which is why a series of public workshops to develop ways of protecting the forests will be held in May.

“It’s important to be proactive and prepare before the disease is found here – the longer we can keep it out of the Coromandel, the more time we buy for scientists to find solutions. We need to strike a balance so that holidaymakers, tourists, offroad runners and bikers, pig hunters, trampers and the like can still access the bush, but understand what they need to do to protect it.”

“Kauri dieback hasn’t been found on the Coromandel yet, but it only takes one pair of dirty boots, bike tyres or walking poles to spread the disease, and anyone coming from infected areas such as the Waipoua Forest, Great Barrier Island or the Waitakere Ranges is a potential carrier,” says Kauri 2000 chair Vivienne McLean.

“This is a major environmental issue – and a threat to our tourism-based peninsula economy, which is heavily dependent on our unique environment. No-one will want to come here to walk or run through forests of dead and dying kauri.”

Workshops

Momentum

Vivienne says public concern for the fate of the kauri is gathering momentum but most of the attention and resources has so far been focused on dieback-infected areas of Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island, with little happening to prevent the spread of this devastating disease to kauri forests in the Coromandel Peninsula and the Kaimai Ranges.

Coromandel Peninsula conservation group Kauri 2000 is so concerned about the threat that kauri dieback disease poses to kauri on the peninsula that it is holding a series of free workshops on May 18 and 19 to raise public awareness of the disease and to help communities develop ways of protecting their local forests.

The programme will include presentations on what is known about kauri dieback disease, how to recognise it, what are the risks for the Coromandel Peninsula, tools and techniques for preventing dieback spread, and ways in which locals can work together to help keep it out of their forests.

“The best way to protect our forest ecosystems will be for our communities, marae, landowners, schools, businesses, environmental group,in fact anyone who uses and loves the bush, to work together and come up with specific strategies that work best for their area,” she says.

At present there is no known cure for kauri dieback, a devastating phytophthera that spreads through soil movement. The key messages being promoted by the Kauri Dieback Response Team to prevent the spread of the disease are: • Always stay on the track and off kauri roots • Clean your gear – remove every trace of soil before and after forest visits. Clean your shoes, tyres and equipment by scrubbing with hot soapy water.

• Symptoms of kauri dieback may (but not always) include bleeding at the base of the tree, yellowing leaves, thinning canopy, dead branches and sudden death. Diseased trees do not always show all the symptoms, however, and other diseases may show similar effects.

Bleeding lesion – one of the symptoms of kauri dieback disease.

The workshops are being run with support from the Kauri Dieback Response Team, the Department of Conservation and the Waikato Regional Council.

Dates and venues are as follows: • 1pm Saturday, May 18 - Grahamstown Community Centre, Pollen St, Thames.

• 1pm Sunday, May 19 - Coromandel Area School Hall, Woollams Ave, Coromandel.

• 6pm Sunday, May 19 - Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, Whitianga.

Everyone is welcome to attend any

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of these free workshops. To help with estimation of numbers, please register your interest with the Kauri 2000 Trust by Wednesday, May 15 by phoning 07 866 0468 or email: info@kauri2000.co.nz. For more information visit: www.kauri2000.co.nz or www.kauridieback.co.nz

CONTRACTORS

Page 38

Transport issues focus for conference “Wheels in Motion” is the theme for the Rural Contractors New Zealand conference in June which

Darryl Isaac Ltd

will focus on transport issues facing the sector, what has national operations manager of InfraTrain, follows; and later there is an open forum for delegates to raise issues been achieved and what still needs to be done. they want discussed.

Held in Cromwell from June 24 to 27, the conference will feature speakers on agricultural issues, succession planning, employment law updates, an on-going trade display and a field trip.

The conference begins on Monday, June 24 with the Dow Agrosciences Agrichemical afternoon and an update on agrichemical issues, trends and developments.

The official opening is on Tuesday morning followed by an interactive session on bringing in overseas workers, and employment issues generally, with key staff from Immigration New Zealand and Work & Income New Zealand.

Road user charges is the topic for the next session with officials from Ministry of Transport. An update and a question and answer session on the recent changes, future projects and enforcement issues with officials from New Zealand Transport Agency and Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit of New Zealand Police follows.

New Zealand entertainer Jeremy Elwood, who combines rock guitar and comedy, is the guest speaker at the conference’s mid-winter Christmas dinner that night.

Road transport issues are again on the agenda on Wednesday morning when Ken Shirley, chief executive of the Road Transport Forum, will address delegates.

‘Training You and Your Workers’ with Ross Leslie,

In the final session of the Wednesday morning, Bruce Wills, national president of Federated Farmers, presents an address entitled ‘The View From The Other Side Of The Fence’.

There’s a complete change of pace in the afternoon with a field trip to the brand new Highland Motor Sports Park. Delegates can visit the museum, try gocarting or a hot lap on the track, visit the winery, play mini golf or relax in front of the fire. A charity auction for St John and a pig on a spit dinner ends the day.

Thursday begins with a session called ‘Employment Law, What Next?’ led by Paul Diver from employment relations consultants firm Paul Diver & Associates.

‘Where do you want the industry and your organisation to be in seven years’ time?’ is the question posed by the next session. Afterwards, succession planning is the theme for the next session called: ‘What happens to you and your business when you go?’ hosted by the Bank of New Zealand.

The association innovation awards will be presented just before lunch and the afternoon begins with an inter-active session designed to find out how well contractors know their industry.

The Rural Contractors New Zealand annual general meeting ends the official business and the conference concludes with the Elders Awards Dinner. For more information and to register for the conference go to: www.ruralcontractors.org.nz/

Apprenticeship incentives are to re-boot training Qualifications for agrichemical applicators are more accessible than ever following the introduction of Reboot Apprenticeships, says the Industry Training Organisation, InfraTrain.

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Under the rules of the Reboot programme, people enrolling in a Level 4 National Certificate in Agrichemical Application will now be eligible for an incentive payment of $1000 to help towards the cost of tools and off-job courses. Employers will also receive $1000 for each apprentice to support their training.

Payments will be based on apprentices meeting the eligibility requirements, which include gaining a minimum of 120 credits.

These credits can be achieved by completing optional strands covering work in broad-acre, brush, aquatic, vegetation control and livestock external parasites.

“InfraTrain welcomes the introduction of Reboot Apprenticeships. The programme will make training accessible to a wider audience, with apprenticeships now open to people of any age,” says InfraTrain chief executive Philip Aldridge.

“For the Reboot, the term ‘apprentice’ applies to industry trainees who are working towards a Level 4 qualification of 120 credits or more. It no longer refers solely to 16- to 21 year old modern apprentices, as it has in the past.”

Reboot Apprenticeships are an important new initiative to grow the number of apprentices working and learning in New Zealand, says Philip.

Through the programme, the government estimates that there will be an additional 14,000 new apprentices starting training during the next five years. In addition to the 7000 who already enrol each year.

From March 2013, any employer who signs an apprentice into an eligible programme will be able to access a one-off subsidy toward the cost of training. The offer is open to the first 10,000 new apprentices who enrol, and is applicable across all industries. The $1000 incentive payment is available to apprentices working in agricultural contracting, while priority trades such as civil infrastructure, engineering and water reticulation will attract incentive payments of $2000 per each apprentice and their employer.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information call InfraTrain on 0800 486 626 or visit: www.infratrain.co.nz/Reboot

Page 39

CONTRACTORS

Collaboration to improve river health HAY - SILAGE & STRAW SUPPLIES

Collaboration around river-related changes to the Waikato Regional Plan should help avoid issues ending up in the Environment Court, the Waikato Regional Council believes.

The council’s land and water quality sub-committee chair Norm Barker says the collaborative process announced in early April marked “a major step change in the way we work and puts us at the forefront of best practice amongst regional councils, and almost ahead of the government on this point.

“Now the action starts and let’s embrace it. I know the community wishes to see an end to the costly, divisive, adversarial environment court processes. I look forward to meeting all the collaborative process milestones the government is proposing that will keep us out of the environment court.”

Collaboration with a range of stakeholder

groups is a key feature of new moves to protect and restore the health of the Waikato and Waipa rivers, under the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora He Rautaki Whakapaipai project.

A feature of the strategy is a collaborative group of representatives, of stakeholder organisations and members of the community. It will include representatives from farming, forestry, environmental and recreational interests, energy, tourism, business, councils and tangata whenua.

A transparent nomination and selection process will be used in forming the collaborative stakeholder group, council says.

Once formed, the group will act as the central channel for stakeholder and broader community involvement in the project.

A particular benefit of establishing a collaborative stakeholder group is that it gives people involved time to intensively review and understand the complexity of the project.

The stakeholder engagement strategy is consistent with the proposed changes signalled in Government’s Fresh Start for Fresh Water reforms, taking into account the unique co-management legislation in place in the Waikato and Waipa catchments.

Discussions will soon begin with stakeholders about these terms of reference as a first step in creating a collaborative stakeholder group.

The project plays a part in restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the rivers for current and future generations, as required by the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River/Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato. It will help achieve reduction, over time, of sediment, bacteria and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) entering water bodies (including groundwater) in the Waikato and Waipa River catchments. For more information visit: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers

Federated Farmers also signed the lake agreement For the first time in decades, the future is looking healthier for the water quality of Lake Rotorua, and it’s largely thanks to a unique collaborative approach to the lake’s problems.

The April issue of Coast & Country featured an article about work to improve the lake and the memorandum of understanding (the ‘Oturoa Agreement’), instigated by MP Todd McClay and signed in February, but omitted to include that Federated Farmers were signatories along with the Lake Rotorua Primary Producers Collec-

tive, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The Lakes Water Quality Society is also a supporter of this agreement.

The agreement is designed to ensure recent improvements in lake water quality continue into the future by setting a sustainable N-load target of 435 t/yr to be achieved by 2032.

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Page 40

AUTUMN FERTILISER

Nutrient behaviour in soils Complex nutrient cycles have been an integral part of farming practices throughout history.

However, with intensification of farming systems, there is now greater awareness about the need to minimise nutrient losses through achieving the correct balance between inputs and outputs of nutrients.

Understanding nutrient behaviour in New Zealand soils, presents a valuable opportunity for farmers to more efficiently utilise essential nutrients to increase profitability while reducing environmental impacts.

Nutrients essential for plant growth are divided into two groups. Macro-nutrients are those required in larger quantities and micro-nutrients (also called trace elements) are required in relatively small quantities.

However, all the essential elements must be present, in their correct proportions for optimum plant growth to occur. Fertilisers help replace essential nutrients which are lacking or being removed.

Nitrogen is utilised by growing plants and ani-

mals, and also soil micro-flora. Much of the soil’s nitrogen is bound in organic matter but only twothree per cent is released by decay at any one time, to give soluble, plant available forms (ammonium and nitrate).

The atmosphere is an important source of nitrogen for legumes such as clover, which can convert or ‘fix’ between 50–300 kg N/ha/year. Other sources of nitrogen include organic matter brought on to the farm, as occurs with animal feed supplements, animal excreta and nitrogen containing fertiliser.

This ‘available’ nitrogen (from all sources) is easily lost once it has converted to the nitrate form.

It is relatively mobile and requires careful management to ensure the right quantities are maintained in soil solution, without excessive amounts being lost from the productive farming system.

Within the cycle, nitrogen is converted to many different forms.

Large amounts can be lost to the atmosphere as ammonia, nitrous oxide, or nitrogen gas.

Plants utilise the water soluble forms, ammonium and nitrate. (Source Fertiliser Association fact sheet)

Chemical residue affects few growers Only about five per cent of organic kiwifruit orchards appear to have been affected by chemical residues resulting from the use of the formerly BioGro registered product Citrox BioAlexin, says Dave Tanner, Zespri’s general manager of Science and Innovation.

In March, Zespri’s 100 per cent residue-testing programme found fruit from some organic orchards had traces of a chemical called antimicrobial Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride commonly used in sanitation products. While the product has no implications for human health and is widely used in the food industry, it is not acceptable on organic produce.

BioAlexin had been among the products certified by BioGro for use on organic orchards. It was also among those products that Kiwifruit Vine Health recommended had proven efficacy against Psa-V and that had a registered ACVM label claim for Ps-V. Both organisations have now withdrawn the product from their lists.

Even the company supplying the product says it was unaware some batches contained DDAC. Dominic Young, director of Citrox NZ, says the company was very surprised to learn that residues had been detected as its products are organic-certified and manufactured from approved food ingredients at an accredited manufacturing facility.

“We are committed to ensuring that all fruit is residue free and are very surprised at the recent turn of events regarding our products.”

BioGro’s CEO Dr Michelle Glogau says Citrox BioAlexin was suspended as an approved input for organic production by organic certifier BioGro when

some batches were found to be contaminated with low levels of DDAC. She confirmed that BioGro followed the internationally agreed process to approve inputs for organic management. The process involves the assessment of the declared formulation, manufacturing process and supporting documentation from manufacturers.

Provided the formulation is compliant, the input is approved.

“BioGro appreciates that this is an upsetting and difficult time for the growers affected who are limited in what they can use to manage Psa-V. “As their organic certifier we obviously want to see them have as many approved inputs available to support their organic management. In the case of an approved input being contaminated with a in put which is not allowed our suspension of its use, as soon as we become aware of it, minimises the impact on the certification status of the affected growers long term, while also meeting consumers’ expectations.”

BioGro’s certification of Citrox BioAlexin will remain suspended until further notice.

The product’s manufacturer is cooperating with BioGro to investigate how the contamination occurred she says.

David says the percentage of organic orchards testing positive for DDAC residues has dropped, as more test results come in.

“Around one-third of organic growers have used this product and around one-third of those orchards reporting use of Citrox BioAlexin have had positive test results for DDAC. At this level, this means this issue would affect around one per cent of all Zespri-supplying orchards (organic and non-organic) or five per cent of organic orchards. While this figure may change as more test results are reported, we’re Continued...

AUTUMN FERTILISER

Page 41

Care needed in feeding stock after drought Clearly in some areas the effects of the drought, in terms of feed availability, will be felt for months to come.

One of the issues to surface from this is the importance of trace elements and minerals during feed shortages. There are several aspects to this: 1) Less feed intake = less mineral intake.

While mineral concentrations in the pasture may appear adequate, ‘adequate’ levels are set-based on full feed intake, so intake of lower quantities of feed (even if the concentration appears adequate) may result in a deficiency.

2) If feeding a lot of supplementary feed, you need to consider the mineral levels of these feeds.

For example, maize silage is very low in calcium, magnesium and sodium, while

PKE is quite high in copper.

So if feeding a lot of these feeds your mineral supplementation programme may need to be adjusted accordingly.

3) However, as always, feed/energy intake, commonly called “Vitamin G” (for grass) is the most important factor. Focus as much as you can on this rather than minerals and trace elements, or in other words spend money on buying feed rather than buying unnecessary or expensive trace elements (but while still doing the basic mineral supplementation).

Other important factors are: • Try to limit any drought effects to this season; for example, culling hard and

Growers to update Spray Diaries Continued...

Organic kiwifruit earn a premium in the market for growers. confident this is not a wide-scale problem.”

In late April, David said none of the fruit potentially affected by this issue had been exported and in fact, 90 per cent of the organic crop was still on the vines.

“DDAC residues are not permitted in organic produce and Zespri is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries and Bio-Gro to ensure no Zespri organic fruit with DDAC residues is exported. Organic fruit accounts for around four per cent of Zespri’s total crop. Zespri already has a 100 per cent residue-testing programme in place for the 2013 season, which tests fruit from all orchards for around 300 different compounds, including DDAC. The Zespri Crop Protection Programme requires all growers to update and

submit their spray diary to Zespri, indicating what products have been used on their orchards, which means Zespri knows before harvest which growers have used this product and can manage the fruit accordingly.

“Because of this, Zespri is confident that it will continue to meet the market access requirements of all markets and customers. Where any fruit fails to meet these standards, it will not be exported.”

Organic growers are concerned that not only might this season’s fruit not meet organic standards, and they’ll lose them a market premium, but also that the issue might affect their orchards’ organic certification. It takes three years to become a certified organic grower.

By Elaine Fisher

early to maintain cow condition, drying-off cows early and try to focus more attention on at-risk animals such as young stock.

• Make sure animals always have access to adequate, clean drinking water.

• Now the rains have come, monitor feed quality and quantity closely, as there can be significant death and decomposition of standing dry matter with the possibility of over-estimation of quality and quantity.

I am a great fan of Vitamin B12 for stressed animals as a bit of a ‘pickme-up’ but as it is an appetite stimulant you need plenty of feed to get the best effect.

Above all else get professional advice on any animal health issues that concern you on your property.

Page 42

AUTUMN FERTILISER

Fertiliser programme critical to success for croppers Aaron Woolard is a Kinsey consultant and farmer.

He runs 105ha of family land and leases 65 ha, growing beans and rice in Missouri, USA. His beans yielded 4300kg/ha after the first Albrecht-Kinsey fertiliser application, an increase of 59 per cent. Prior to that, in a good year, he had 2700kg/ha. His rice is flood irrigated. He was expecting 8570kg/ha, compared to the neighbour’s 7050 kg/ha. In addition he will receive a milling margin of $600-$1200/tonne for premium quality. His neighbour won’t. (Aaron’s rice harvest is now complete. His best paddy did 11,090kg/ha.)

Aaron is considering introducing a 78-day variety of maize in order to double-crop his land. The use of a superior fertiliser programme is critical to the success of that. The land here is really good quality. Soil test after a rice then a bean crop showed low N, S, P, Ca, Mg, K, B & Zn. Mn and Cu were good.

As with the other growers, these soil deficiencies are corrected pre-planting as far as the budget will allow. Lime costs $85/ha applied and sulphur $50/ha. Calcium is important to stimulate the microbes and his beans nodulate in 10 days.

Fertiliser for rice cost $1100/ha. Aaron has been using the Albrecht-Kinsey system for six years, but on one part of the property at a time, which is normal practice whether in USA or New Zealand.

Crop yields were “excellent” in year one, “phenomenal” in year two, last year was “best ever”, this year, “even better”.

When Aaron first started, he was told corn wouldn’t grow on that land, but he raised 8500kg/ha. They plant corn in April/ May and harvest in September/October. He is paid an extra $220/ha for his non-GMO beans which are exported to the Orient, and has not sprayed for two years. “Americans don’t demand GE-free produce.” When asked why, he replied:

nesses in each field. If K levels get too high, that can cost up to 4.4t/ha in yield. Currently, the neighbour’s yield is behind by that amount. Keith’s crop had little rain since planting, so irrigation is a must. Corn yields are measured in bushels, a Mayberry Farms and Keasler Farms volume measurement, and the standard weight being 56lbs.

Keith Mayberry and Alan Below are third generation ‘cropMayberry’s corn weighs 60-62lbs/bushel. pers’, with some of their land being on the Albrecht-Kinsey When commenting on Albrecht-Kinsey fertility, Aaron programme for 30 Woolard had the years. Keith’s father last word. “It and uncle signed on works every time. as Kinsey clients in I haven’t seen it the early 1980’s. fail yet”.

Keith farms 1330 Alan Below ha and Alan 1650 took on some ha. Keith grows new land. They corn, beans and called it “Disaster cotton. Alan has an Farm” because interest in a cotton it produced very gin, so cotton is little. Neal was his main crop. “We not happy, claimweren’t making the ing the best he kind of yields we could do for them are now until Neal was 840kg/ha of Kinsey came along”. cotton, “if you do When they what I say”. They started, a good corn made 835 kg/ yield was 11-11.3/ ha. The followha – and they were ing year, they That’s big – Keith Mayberry’s new machine created a good deal of interest making 8.5/ha. made 1680kg/ among those who visited his cropping farm in Missouri.

In their first year ha of lint. The with Neal, their farm is now called yield went to 11.9. Now, it is consistently 13.6-17t/ha. Last “Miracle Farm”. Before Alan took over, that land was only year was a flood year, resulting in planting happening two to producing 300kg/ha. three months late, but they still managed 9.0.

Standard cotton yields are 1120-1230kg/ha of lint. The In the drought last year, the maize yielded 15,050-17,560kg/ Albrecht-Kinsey system produces 1450-2020kg. ha, depending on the field. They don’t use any starter fertiliser.

Missouri is situated north of Arkansas, with a piece of land Compost is spread over 240ha at 800kg/ha each year, in rotajutting into Arkansas. tion, the cost being $200/ha. DAP is used at 225-275kg/ha, There is a standing joke in Missouri that claims, “If they but since P is antagonistic to sulphur, S is applied when the gave that land back to Arkansas, it would raise the IQ of both phosphate reaches the upper limit. states”. I’m not so sure. Arkansas is one of the very few states A VERIS machine is used to find the strengths and weakthat has a balanced budget.

“Because they’re stupid”. (An impending referendum in California on GM labelled food might have proved Aaron wrong, but it didn’t.)

BASE SATURATION PERCENT Calcium (60 to 70%) Magnesium (10 to 20%) Potassium (2 to 5%) Sodium (.5 to 3%) Other Bases (Variable)

}80%

EXCHANGEABLE HYDROGEN (10 to 15%)

MAIZE

Page 43

Drought tests new maize hybrids This summer’s drought probably created the ideal conditions to test new maize hybrids which, despite the dry, have impressed those who grew them.

Ralph Gore who farms at Hinuera, near Matamata grew the new-release silage hybrid Corson -T9, for the first time this season with great results.

Sown in October it germinated quickly.

“Considering the season, we got good yields, an average of 23 tonne/ha from a February harvest, and it certainly didn’t have any rust.

I will be growing it again next season,” says Ralph.

“Once we started getting the heat units in December it just raced away. The cropping yardstick in the Waikato is that you expect it

to be fence height by erty to dairy four years Christmas Day. One ago. He now grows paddock was higher maize for silage to feed than the deer fence by his own herd, with then. “I’ve grown maize 480 cows milked on long enough to know the farm this season. the most testing time is Waikato silage conlate January/February tractor Becky Walling and it certainly handled says the good results the drought stress.” achieved with another T9 produces a tall new hybrid, Corson crop with large ears -F1 this season, means which provide high dry it is now her preferred matter yield potential choice for maize silage. and dependable silage Becky and Leonard quality. Ralph knows a Walling have been New silage hybrid Corson T9 has good crop when he sees planting, harvesting performed strongly in its first year. one – he grew maize, and selling maize silage mainly for grain, and some silage for almost to farmers for 24 years through their agricul40 years before converting his 183 ha proptural contracting business based at Eureka,

Water- natural resource or commodity?

The management of fresh water is becoming an increasing concern for all New Zealanders, and especially for farmers.

For farmers, particularly those with intensive operations such as cropping or dairying, the issues of water are twofold: the ability to take the water they need from rivers, lakes and aquifers; and controlling what’s then discharged from their farms back into those same water sources.

The control of both rests in the Resource Management Act 1990.

There are a variety of measures and initiatives underway attempting to deal with these issues. These are generally initiated by regional councils which, under the RMA,

have responsibility for fresh water.

Some of these initiatives are quite high profile such as the ‘One Plan’ of the Horizons Regional Council (Manawatu/Wanganui) and the proposed Ruataniwha Dam project in neighbouring Hawke’s Bay. One of the problems regional councils are grappling with when trying to manage water is gathering accurate information as to how much water is actually being taken, how it’s being used and whether or not current consent conditions are being complied with. The Resource Management (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) Regulations 2010 require holders of certain water consents to keep and provide records of fresh water taken under consents in order to provide data to assist in the management of

JORDAAN

water. For most farmers, measuring or reporting requirements mean further cost with the installation of water metering systems and more time spent to measure, record and report. While the stated intention of the regulations is to provide data to allow informed decision-making, there’s a suspicion that the regulations are a first step towards a commoditisation of water, laying the ground work for the ability for regional councils to make an economic charge for water based on consumption rather than for monitoring and compliance which is the current situation.

By Neil Dent, partner at Hastings law firm, Gifford Devine.

Source - Rural eSpeaking, the farm-focussed client newsletter of NZ LAW Limited member firms.

near Morrinsville as well as operating their own dairy farms.

“The Corson hybrids are excellent. They all have good stay-green, good drought tolerance and big cobs,” says Becky.

“I am recommending Corson’s maize seed to my customers as my preferred choice.”

New Zealand-bred Corson -F1 is a full season hybrid offering top-end performance.

Two new maize silage hybrids, Corson -T9 (G49-T9) and Corson - F1( Z71-F1), are commercially available while dual-purpose grain and silage hybrid Corson -A1 (C29-A1) was only available in limited quantities for 2012 planting.

Corson maize seed product development manager Neil Koevoet says: “Corson -A1 has demonstrated exceptional performance in trials and we are excited about bringing it to the market”.

Page 44

HORTICULTURE

Small but sweet – early season’s kiwifruit This season’s early kiwifruit is smaller but it’s also sweet, due to the long hot dry summer.

Kiwifruit enters the production line at Aongatete Coolstores.

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Aongatete Coolstores was the first Bay of Plenty postharvest facility to begin packing Hayward Kiwistart fruit in late-March for the Japanese market and managing director Allan Dawson says the summer drought has slowed fruit sizing.

“As picking progressed into April we saw fruit sizing up, albeit at a modest rate, and those orchards that still had healthy canopies were showing the most improvement,” he says.

Zespri pays growers an incentive to Clive Exelby, Aongatete packhouse manager with fruit pick high dry matter fruit to meet packed by automatic packers. the early market. following rain but to date This season, Allan says because growth rates have been fruit was smaller than average in less than expected and it is March, growers faced a dilemma. unlikely, as fruit matures, “Coastal orchards around that this set-back in sizing Matapihi and Katikati are always will be completely reversed. ” among the earliest to reach harvest He thinks it will, on averstandards and those growers had age, be a smaller fruit year. to decide whether to take the Zespri spokesman David Kiwistart incentive and pick their Courtney says fruit size early fruit early, or hang on and hope in the harvest was mixed Graders check fruit quality fruit would size up.” with some orchards reportat Aongatete Coolstores.

Aongatete grower services techniing good size fruit and others cal team members have been out seeing a slightly smaller size. helping growers assess whether The hope was that fruit to pick or not by modelling the would continue to grow until expected result (net orchard gate the main harvest in May. return) and comparing that with A reduction in kiwifruit the potential result, by delaying crop volumes caused by the harvest. disease Psa-V and an increase They used a computer-generated in New Zealand’s unemforecasting tool developed by horployment numbers means ticultural technical manager Hinga fewer overseas workers are Marsh and the decision was made employed in the kiwifruit Judith Kalarisa packs early season to harvest some blocks early, and industry this season. green kiwifruit at Aongatete leave others for later in the season.

Clive Exelby, packhouse Coolstores.

Every kiwifruit growing season manager at Aongatete, says is different but Allan says he can’t 110 RSE workers from Tonga, Solomon Islands, recall one which has been quite like the 2012-2013 Vanuatu and East Malaysia have joined the staff this season. season, 80 of them are picking fruit and pruning The winter and spring were cold and wet, and orchards and 30 work in the packhouse. vines on many orchards were also suffering the stress “This year some of the Tongan workers have been of the bacterial disease Psa-V. “In wet conditions brought over to play for the Katikati Rugby Club as some vines suffered root-die back and as a consewell.” quence that made it harder for them to cope with the Many of the RSE workers have been part of the drought which followed.”

Aongatete team in the past and Clive says their expeWet conditions around Christmas and early January rience is invaluable. “They are excellent workers and soon gave way to the prolonged drought which has many of our growers are requesting particular teams also hit farmers so hard. While it reduced the incito carry out picking and dence of Psa-V infections, Allan says the big dry put winter pruning because added stress on vines, which is another reason why they do the job to some growers were keen to harvest fruit early. such a high Allan doesn’t expect fruit to size significantly as the standard.” season progresses. “We will still get some growth

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Jared Whatarau cleans and sterilises kiwifruit bins before they return from Aongatete pack house to orchards.

HORTICULTURE

Page 45

Profitable avocado growing is chairman’s aim More growers making a sustainable income, a reduction in irregular bearing, and New Zealand avocados as a premium and preferred avocado in Asia are among the visions for the industry held

by Ashby Whitehead – the new chairman-elect of the NZ Avocado Growers Association and Avocado Industry Council.

Ashby, who takes up the chairmanship this month when long-serving chairman John Schnackenberg steps down as part of a planned succession, says the industry vision is achievable.

“For the first time, a five-year plan has been implemented, focusing on strengthening and growing value through expanding export markets.

This plan is a start on the right road to achieving long term value for the industry.”

The industry is also optimistic about its business case for Primary Growth Partnership funding to inject further investment.

“We have huge, valuable opportunities to leverage but we are

challenged by low investment in market development and science to improve yield. Investment into our industry by the crown through PGP enables a step change in performance and an acceleration of solutions to create a profitable industry. Without PGP our ability to successfully face those barriers is much more challenging.”

Challenges are what Ashby and other growers have been facing in recent seasons, but that, he says, is part of being involved in a primary industry.

The Whitehead’s avocado trees were hard hit by a frost last year which left no fruit to harvest, and 3.3 ha of vines on their 4.5 ha kiwifruit orchard have been removed because of the bacterial disease Psa-V. “I’ve gone back to engineering, which is what I did my apprenticeship in when I left school,” says Ashby.

However, he’s obviously not about to give up on avocados. “They are nice trees to grow. They can be

individual just like dairy cows and I really like the fruit, which is also high in nutrition.

“I’m a firm believer in horticulture as a good way to create an income. You don’t have to be working on it every hour of the day like you have to with a nine to five office job,” says Ashby who grew up on the family dairy farm in Te Puke and was educated at local schools.

Ashby’s aim in his chairmanship role is to be a voice for growers as he has no financial interest in packing or exporting operations.

“Our focus is on bringing the industry together, uniting all fronts so that we can be stronger together and can work smarter together to solve the issues we face.”

One of those issues is that the industry relies heavily on the high value, limited volume Australian market and has not leveraged the significant opportunity offered by Asian markets.

Another is irregular bearing which means growers produce unsustain-

able yields and exporters are provided with an irregular supply of fruit which makes it difficult to develop markets.

When it comes to the value chain from grower to consumer, Ashby says performance is not benchmarked or measured, and while information is collected, it is not well shared .

“New Zealand must successfully compete with other countries to supply high value and quality fresh fruit.

“We celebrate the collaborations which have developed across the industry. They represent exporters who have chosen to work together to better meet the supply needs of customers in export markets .”

By Elaine Fisher

Risk assessed interest rates a good thing On the farm interest rates are now linked to your balance sheet results.

It has become clear that banks are now completing a risk assessment on every farming business. I have identified the following four points as being key issues the banks consider: 1. Analysis of your annual accounts profit and loss statements, for the last three years.

• Losses will mean a higher interest rate.

• Moving from a loss to a profit will result in an improved interest rate.

• Large loans no longer attract a low interest rate, in fact large loans are perceived to have more risk and may be priced accordingly.

• Historical losses will take a while to drop off.

2. Debt/asset ratio • If your debt equals your asset value the rate is going to be higher.

• If debt is 20 per cent of your asset, the rate will go down.

3. Risk • Does the farm flood?

• Are there seasonal droughts?

• Are you reliant on a lot of bought-in feed?

• Is it a high cost/low margin farming business?

4. Personal Factor • Can you do the business, manage the money and the property?

• Are there adequate checks, balances and recordings going on?

• Are personal drawings realistic and under control and are actual versus budget being adhered to and copies sent to your bank.

Looking at the interest rate numbers, the figures are roughly as per the chart above. Then the bank assesses the “risk” margin eg: low risk interest rate + .9 per cent say 6 per cent. High risk interest rate + 4 per cent say 9 per cent The other factor in all this is that the Reserve Bank

90 day bill rate say

2.6 per cent

Cost to raise the cash say

1.0

Banks margin - to run the bank Profit and risk say

1.5

Base cost of money

5.1

now requires your bank to hold money on deposit against every loan. For example, if you have a “risky” loan of say $1 million, the bank may have to hold $100,000 on deposit. If you have a “safe” loan, the “holding” may only be $50,000. In summary, every business is now risk-assessed with the interest rate priced according to that perceived risk. The whole banking business has changed for the better. It is a good thing because it is ensuring the banks are taking care and covering themselves for the untoward. It also allows us to go into the bank and ask what we need to do to improve our rating and subsequently our interest rate.

Finally, it will make us focus on profitability, and running a sustainable business rather than asset building and posting losses.

These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance.

Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 46

Holding off against Psa-V bacteria Pahoia orchardist Melvyn Walker is not about to say it’s a silver bullet, but he is adamant that his kiwifruit is withstanding the worst of Psa-V thanks to his spray programme.

For eight years he has been using TEPA chelated copper sticking exclusively with it and a seaweed-extract fertiliser, since the advent of Psa-V. “It’s all I’m using and I believe that it’s actually working. I haven’t put anyPahoia orchardist Melvyn Walker and Keith thing else on it. And I’ve got a crop on Garnham check some of his Melvyn’s healthy G3 crop there now, but whether people want to that has been on a programme of TEPA chelated believe it or not is up to them.” copper and seaweed fertiliser. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

He has used it on all his vines, including the green which had early changed his mind because of the Italian experisigns of Psa-V that have since gone. ence where the only surviving 16A Gold had After holding off against Psa-V his green was used it. infected about nine months ago, a lot later than “I had some very loyal customers but I didn’t neighbouring orchards, but Melvyn believes the think it was worth the little interest,” says Keith, spray programme is helping him manage the who has struck some resistance from orcharddisease. It is difficult for him to directly compare ists who had mixed results with TEPA chelated this year’s crop to last, but says apart from the copper in the early years before the best prolack of water was “pretty happy with the crop”. gramme was developed.

After taking out half his canopy to change over “There will be some growers out there who say G3 Melvin is expecting a Hort 16A crop of ‘this stuff is snake oil. It didn’t work for us’. All 7-8000 trays/ha, compared to his normal crop of I can say is that in the course of time we’ve been 15,000 trays/ha for a full canopy. able to work out programmes that seem to be “The spray’s helping it, I’m not going to say working for the growers I work with when it’s it’s going to kill it, but it’s definitely helping to matched with adequate nutrition.” suppress it,” says Melvyn, about the foliar fertiLicensing issues preventing the earlier product liser former Te Puna orchardist Keith Garnham from being registered as a pesticide meant it distributes. could not be endorsed by KVH. This prompted Keith, who has imported the spray from Keith to market a new product under the brand Europe for about 10 years, was planning to name Coptyzin which is 95 per cent of the drop the product just before Psa-V arrived – but original formulation and offers the same ben-

efits. Copper bactericide Coptyzin is one of three copper sprays KVH’s recommends in its autumn and winter spray programme.

Zespri innovation leader Jayson Benge said Coptyzin was being field tested for efficacy against Psa-V and results will be published in May-June if trials are successful.

The Ministry for Primary Industry recently accepted Coptyzin as an approved compound under the ACVM (agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines) regulatory framework giving it a limited label claim for the control of Psa-V. Approval is based on overseas or greenhouse data and is valid for 12 months during which time more efficacy data is to be collected to earn a full label.

Keith says its formulation as a special copper chelate that is absorbed into the plant, rather than just working on the leaf ’s surface is its key difference. Melvyn believes this is the key, saying when you consider that Psa-V is

on the inside of the plant not just the outside you need something that will fight if from inside the plant as well. Along with his spray programme, Melvyn is running a few experiments on his vines, cutting some back to the main leader and leaving others to see what works best to learn what approach is best.

Despite enthusiasm for his spray programme and experiments, he has decided to change over to G3, saying it was all about finding the best way to manage Psa-V. “The fact that G3 seems to be less susceptible to Psa-V means that my chelated copper will do a better job and make it easier for me, if there was no G3 or new variety I would be going for Hort 16 A again this year.”

Keith says the biggest reward is helping growers: “When I get an email saying ‘I thought my orchard was stuffed but now it’s turned around and I think I’ve got a future with it’ - that’s very satisfying”.

There is a huge difference between value and price according to Craig Noonan General Manager of Grosafe Chemicals.

to the sprayer in a safe and compliant manner.

The solution was to import and provide 12 volt electronic drum pumps to accompany orders of 800 Litres or more. The value of these pumps for larger users is clearly demonstrated by the volume of orders.

“Also growers who use smaller volumes expressed their frustrations at paying up to $1/ litre more for the same product in 20 Litre drums. Grosafe only sought cost recovery of $0.30/litre for Hi-break in 20 Litre drums.

So we have some very happy growers who appreciated the integrity of the price differential and have again found real value in our offer.” Craig says for Grosafe it has not been about being the cheapest in the market but listening to customers,

Value is more than price The company has just completed a very successful sales season for its kiwifruit bud breaker Hi-break. “It was very clear that this season growers have been looking at ways to reduce their financial inputs and Grosafe’s commercial offer on Hi-break clearly met their needs,” says Craig.

“We took the time and spoke to many growers who wanted the financial benefit of buying Hi-break in 200 Litre drums but were then faced with getting the product from the drum

COPTYZIN

Page 47

KIWIFRUIT

It’s no longer ‘raining’ kiwifruit The sound of green kiwifruit ‘raining down’ into picking bags won’t be heard on Apata orchards this season, thanks to a simple addition to the bags.

The Bay of Plenty post-harvest company has modified up to 500 bags used by its contractors, with a piece of vinyl which narrows the opening, forcing pickers to place, rather than drop fruit, into the bags.

Apata managing director Stuart Weston says he ‘borrowed’ the idea from successful South Auckland grower Carlos Verissimo.

“Carlos was so frustrated about the way his fruit was being handled that he put a strip of canvass over the top to stop pickers ‘raining down’ fruit into the bags.”

The idea appealed to Stuart, who has recently returned to Apata and was seeking ways to help improve fruit quality, especially for fruit which stays in storage for a long time.

“Pickers know gold fruit needs careful handling but

Finding solutions their problems and then finding value added solutions.

“Many growers were surprised that we also deliver Hi-break on farm free of charge. This is something we have been doing for years. Grower’s time is valuable so we try to make it as easy as possible.”

Over the next few months Grosafe will be releasing a number of products with the next major release being Hortcare Copper Hydroxide 300. “We are on a mission to fill any holes in our existing product range to ensure growers can access their full chemical requirements from one supplier, Grosafe.

“It’s an exciting and challenging time with new innovations, new products quickly coming to the market.

We will try to keep all growers informed of new developments but interested growers should contact us to ensure they are on our mailing list to understand the full value of Grosafe.”

3 n 3 n 3 n 3 n 3 n

they don’t always treat green the same. Contractors were a bit grumpy when we told them we wanted them to use the modified bags but they’ve accepted it and, with a little training, it hasn’t slowed down picking.”

Shane McNeil of McNeil Management, an independent orchard management company with 47 clients growing green, gold, new varieties and organic fruit, says at first he was concerned the modification would make picking slower, but it hasn’t and he’s convinced it will help improve fruit quality.

“Once I saw the bags in action I was very happy with the modification.” Shane says other contractors are now using the modification too.

The industry as a whole is looking at ways to further improve fruit quality now that Zespri has introduced increased transparency around fruit performance off-shore, says Stuart.

“I totally agree that Zespri should sheet home the costs where they belong. Reducing repacking and fruit loss off shore begins at the orchard. If we can improve the quality of the fruit as it’s picked and ensure we handle it well throughout the post-harvest supply chain, then we will reduce costs – and in an environment where green grower profitability is so tenuous.”

Bullets

“Twenty years ago green kiwifruit were incredibly tough and we treated them like bullets. However, back then growers were producing only 4000 trays a hectare. Now that’s increased to up to 13,000 and the vines are under much more stress, affecting the cellular structure of fruit so it’s much more fragile.” Stuart says losses off-shore cost the industry tens of millions of dollars but most attention has, until now, been focused on on-shore losses.

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“It’s a game of two halves, on-shore and off-shore fruit losses and Zespri’s moves are a wake-up call to change our thinking and make the industry aware of the gravity of the costs off-shore.

“At harvest time often the only thing the post-harvest operator is thinking about is the nervous grower who wants his fruit off, not about fruit quality eight to nine months out.”

When Stuart returned to Apata after working in senior management positions associated with red meat, dairy, fish, vegetables and poultry, he called on the assistance of post-harvest and controlled atmosphere storage expert Dr Nagin Lalu to help review the handling of fruit from picking through to market.

Production lift

“So much has changed in the industry from 20 years ago. Not only are vines producing more, we are picking in warmer conditions.

In the early days we were wearing woolly hats and jerseys but today we’re packing in shorts and t-shirts.

“We have to unlearn a lot of what we thought we knew about handling kiwifruit.

Generally the cool chain is fine and most fruit stores well until the final quarter supply period. But it is then that the real test of how well the fruit was handled at the beginning really shows through.

“We have to change the mind-set of everyone from pickers to people putting bins on and off trucks to (those) handling the fruit in the packhouse. Modifying the bags is just one step.”

In an industry with tight margins and tough competition from crop to harvest, Stuart says growers will be looking to post-harvest operators to lift their game and make savings.

Orchard manager Mike Le Prou of McNeil Management with the modified picking bag designed to reduce picking damage to green kiwifruit.

Savings

“There are tens of cents of gains to be made by simple, practical ideas like the bags and it’s those kinds of innovations we should be looking at.”

Other picking and post-harvest companies have expressed an interest in the bags, and Stuart’s quite happy if they introduce the modification too.

“I’d be happy if others picked up the idea.

If we can collectively raise fruit quality offshore we all gain and can return better profits to growers.”

Beyond the issues of the day, Stuart believes the kiwifruit industry will also weather the PSA-V challenge.

By Elaine Fisher

INCREASED RETURNS IN THE BAG Removable covers on picking bags expected to improve kiwifruit quality and profits.........

apata packing and coolstorage

TELEPHONE: 075520911 www.apata.co.nz PHONE 07 572 2662 • FAX 07 578 6241 FREEPHONE 0800 220 002 • EMAIL: info@grosafe.co.nz

WINTER WARMTH

Page 48

Hot food and water on demand Happy customers claim dramatically reduced power bills and endless supplies of hot water from their Butler Multi by Wagener.

The Butler Multi high performance hot water heater is designed and made by Wagener Stoves - home of the Wagener Fairburn Cooker, CookTop Wagener Stove and the new Wagener Sparky.

With a Butler Multi and a basket of wood, householders can be self-

sufficient in the essential home comforts of hot water, room heating and a hot meal, says Ngaire McClure of Wagener Stoves.

“This modern day chip heater delivers great power savings by not only producing copious amounts of hot water but also providing room heating and a cooking surface which is perfect for winter soups and stews or just to keep the kettle boiling.”

The compact Butler Multi delivers about 6 kw of hot water and 8 kw of room heating

– and with an average household energy usage of about 50 per cent for hot water heating alone, the Butler Multi can slash electricity bills.

The Butler Multi is of solid steel construction, has a deep brick lined fire box, an ash pan and a grate and will give long burn times on hardwoods. Richard from South Otago says: “we purchased a Butler Multi and it has been one of the best buys we have ever made. Our power bills have halved, we never run out of hot water and our kitchen is

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always warm”.

The Butler Multi is also available without a wetback as a 14 kw Dry Model. “This is particularly suited to those with a small home, who enjoy the good looks and modern compact design but don’t require hot water heating. “And now for those wanting the unique Butler look but with more room heating and less hot water output, Wagener has a special 2 kw wetback option available,” says Ngaire.

Get active, eat well and keep warm this winter Keeping warm this winter is about more than pulling on warm clothes, turning on the heater or stoking up the fire – it’s also about eating well and exercising, says the Ministry of Social Development.

Get active and eat lots of fruit and vegetables to ward off winter colds and flu. Have hot meals and hot drinks to keep your family warm and healthy; and wrap up in layers of warm clothes to stay snug when you leave the house, the ministry says on its website.

It's important for your family's health that your house is warm and dry. Cold and damp homes are linked to poor health, especially for babies and small children, people who are ill or elderly.

Only heat the room you are in. Try and keep the temperature between 18 and 21 degree Celsius especially if you have babies, people with illnesses, or older people living in your home.

Dress warmly for bed and make sure your bedroom is warm enough – it is very important to stay warm during the night.

Block up unused chimneys and stop draughts around doors and windows.

Make draught ‘snakes’ by stuffing rugby socks or pantyhose with newspaper or cushion filling. Up to 20 per cent of heating can be lost through draughts.

Open windows and curtains on sunny days, and close them when the sun goes down to trap heat in your home.

Trim any trees that prevent sun entering your house (but if you are renting, remember to ask your landlord first).

If you use a gas heater without a chimney, make sure that you use it safely. Research has shown that they can release gases which can be particularly dangerous for anyone with heart disease or asthma, pregnant women, young children and older people. If you have to use one, open a window and keep all internal doors open too.

Use it only for short periods and never in bedrooms.

Try not to dry clothes indoors as this creates moisture in the air. Drying outside is free and the sunlight kills bacteria, making your clothes healthier for you and your family. Use a shed or garage if it is raining.

To reduce moisture caused by steam, always open a window when you are showering and when you are cooking on the stove top. Use pot lids to reduce the amount of steam escaping. Keep doors to bedrooms closed at these times as steam can make beds damp.

If you must use a clothes dryer, make sure your clothes are properly spun first and leave windows open while you are using it - or even better, vent it outside.

How to save power this winter Ten easy ways to save money and cut your electricity costs:

1. Talk to your electricity company about which plan is best for you. Most companies provide options including direct debits at a flat rate all year round, pre-payment meters and low use rates for people who are very frugal.

2. Most of your electricity bill will go on hot water so use less if you can. Set your washing machine on a cold wash and rinse your dishes in cold water. Take short showers instead of baths. Showers use 60 per cent less water than baths.

3. Fix dripping taps. A dripping hot tap can cost $80 a year but a washer to fix it costs less than $1.

4. If your hot water cylinder is old, keep the heat in by using a hot water cylinder wrap. These are available from hardware stores. Make sure the thermostat is set to produce a temperature of 55 degree Celsius at the tap (this will also prevent scalds).

5. Always turn the lights off in rooms when you leave them. But if you are using energy efficient light bulbs it is better to leave them on if you are returning within 10 minutes.

6. Appliances that have a standby function (such as televisions, stereos, mobile chargers, computers or microwaves) should be turned off at the wall. This can save you up to $75 a year.

7. Clothes dryers can be very expensive to run so try not to use them unless you really have to. Heated towel rails are also expensive and cost about $120 a year to run.

8. Make sure there is generous air space behind the back of your fridge and try to locate it out of direct sunlight, or in a cooler room like the laundry. Don't open the fridge door too often or leave it open.

9. Make sure you cool food before putting it in the fridge. Turn off your second or ‘drinks’ fridge - this could be costing you $190 per year.

10. When cooking, keep the oven door closed.

Always keep lids on pots and use as little water as possible to cook foods. Simmer rather than boil food, and if possible, use a microwave, as this uses 30-40 per cent less power than a conventional oven. Defrost food naturally if possible, (in the fridge is best) rather than in the microwave.

(Source Ministry of Social Development).

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 49

Where are our young leaders?

Every industry needs to identify and nurture its future leaders.

Most industries do very little to make this happen. Horticulture is fortunate that HortNZ, our industry organisation, runs and supports many leadership development programmes.

For kiwifruit to do its part, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated is supporting and supplementing the HortNZ and other programmes.

Keeping young leaders in horticulture is a big challenge. Once up-skilled, those with potential are highly marketable and are often recruited internationally into offshore horticultural industries, or into other commercial operations both in New Zealand and overseas. The issue we have been working on is how to incentivise our young leaders to stay within horticulture in general, and kiwifruit in particular.

As part of this campaign, 70 orchard and packhouse workers, growers, post-harvest operators and Zespri attended the recent ‘Young Leaders’ breakfast. The breakfast was run by NZKGI, sponsored by Farmlands and Aongatete. It was designed for potential young leaders to network, learn about leadership and explore options for the future, including succession planning for those who owned orchards.

Jon Mayson, former CEO of the Port of Tauranga was guest speaker at the breakfast event. Jon spoke of the

of the vines has a robust legal basis.

Forestry rights work in this way and have allowed for much greater development of forestry across New Zealand by permitting both the owner of the land, and the owner of the trees, to have legal rights registered against the certificate of title.

Working with Sharp Tudhope, we are putting together a proposal for the Ministry for Primary Industries to consider. Hopefully, we can convince

Government to put in place a scheme for vines and fruit trees that works in the same was as forestry rights, as explained above.

This will apply to wine grape growers, avocadoes, and citrus, in fact any horticultural or viticulture crop.

What we hope this will do, is give our young leaders the opportunity to invest in our industry and give them a reason to stay with the industry for their careers.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? ●Computers ●Laptops ●Monitors importance of good leadership and self-belief. “Leadership is the ability to inspire others to strive to be the best they can be. Leaders are those who walk forward and take people with them.” Self-belief and recognising that “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me” is important to success, as is integrity, trust, vision and a sense of direction.

Succession planning was covered by John Gordon and Kylie van Heerden from Tauranga law firm Sharp Tudhope.

This is a key issue as growers become older, the average age is around 60, because as an industry, we need more young growers and young leaders.

Giving the young leaders of the future some ownership of an orchard, or the vines on that orchard, we believe will help keep them involved with the industry.

This is what the succession planning work is about – how the older generation can, for example, retain ownership of their land, while allowing the young leaders to have a stake in growing kiwifruit.

There are some key aspects to this.

The proposal is that the land owner continues to own the land, and the new owner of the vines has continuing legal rights over the vines.

Therefore, whatever device is put in place, it will need to be registered against the properties certificate of title.

There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, it gives robust and continuing legal ownership. Secondly, the banks are more likely to lend development and operating funds if the ownership

Page 50

RETIREMENT

Vision more than realised four decades on An initiative 40 years ago to establish Aparangi Retirement Village today continues to enrich Te Kauwhata with residents fully integrated into the small rural community.

Te Puke Country Lodge Home, Hospital and Village

Aparangi Village was established 40 years ago.

General manager Jackie Long says those who established the not-forprofit trust were far-sighted and their vision to ensure the whole community was connected has more than been realised.

“The whole concept around the village is for the community to be involved and to live as one.”

Te Kauwhata is 80 km south of Auckland and 48 km north of Hamilton and it is there that Aparangi Retirement Village has been established on 14.5 ha of land.

The village has a range of options for those over 55, from building or buying their own retirement home on trust land, or renting an existing home to full residential care.

“We have a number of very active residents living independently in the village, including some keen golfers. There is a golf course, bowling green, swimming pool and fitness centre nearby. At the village we have

a pentanque court – and our community centre Simmons Hall holds regular cards, mahjong, patchwork and quilting sessions, film evenings, housie, guest speakers and family events and is also available for community use.

“Local primary schools and the college are very much involved in the village too and we will soon begin fund raising to upgrade our hall to make it even more suitable to the kinds of events the community wants to hold.”

An active resident’s committee arranges regular events and newsletter the ‘Village Voice’ is circulated widely in the Te Kauwhata community so everyone knows what’s happening at the village.

The aim is to support people living independently for as long as possible by offering respite care, meals on wheels and lawn mowing services. For those who need more Jackie says the residential unit offers 24 hour, fully supported care.

Device once used by gentlemen This month’s mystery item from the Katikati Heritage Museum is an elaborate form of what was once an essential part of a man’s personal grooming aids.

In its more simple form, this particular aid was also sometimes used to discipline misbehaving youngsters.

If you think you know what this mystery item is or have a story to tell about memories of using or seeing it used,

you could be in to win a museum visit for two. Send your entry with heading ‘Mystery Item’ at: elaine@thesun.co.nz or post to Mystery Item, PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than May 17. The winner will be announced in the June Coast & Country.

Do you know what this is?

Last month’s mystery item was correctly identified by Mary Wenzlick of Tirau and Merle Bray Whakamarama as a gas mask.

Merle was able to add that it was a gas mask used during World War II, probably left over from World War I, so wins admission for two to the museum.

Page 51

RETIREMENT

Master Chef joins Beef + Lamb Chelsea Winter, winner of Master Chef New Zealand 2012, has formed a partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand and her recipes are now available in butchers and supermarkets to help shoppers gain the best from the meat they buy.

Winning chef Chelsea Winter has formed a partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Chelsea is joining the team as the face of mEAT magazine, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s free, quarterly guide to beef and lamb.

"This is a really exciting partnership and we have had so much fun developing fresh new recipes to complement the new-look mEAT magazine, which I am sure readers are going to love,” she says.

“We’re so very lucky to be living in a country which boasts world class quality beef and lamb. Using good quality, fresh ingredients is essential when preparing food for friends and family, so I am proud to be working with Beef + Lamb New Zealand to inspire all Kiwi cooks,” says Chelsea.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc. CEO Rod Slater says the mEAT magazine has been an overwhelming success since its launch two years ago.

“The demand for mEAT magazine has been far beyond what we had ever expected.”

We are constantly receiving orders for the magazine, New Zealander’s seem to be really taken by the easy recipes and the very accessible information.

What makes it even better is that it comes at no cost to customers,” says Rod.

Vill as f r 3 om

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Page 52

RETIREMENT

The story of the Mexican maid

The Mexican maid asked for a pay increase. The wife was very upset about this, and decided to talk to her about the raise. She asked: “Now Maria, why do you want a pay increase?”

Maria: “Well, Señora, there are tree reasons why I wanna increaze.

The first is that I iron better than you.”

Wife: "Who said you iron better than me?"

Maria: “Jor huzban, he say so.”

Wife: “Oh yeah?”

Maria: “The second reason eez that I am

better cook than you.”

Wife: “Nonsense, who said you were a better cook than me?”

Maria: “Jor hozban deed.”

Wife, increasingly agitated: “Oh he did, did he?”

Maria: “The third reason is that I am better than you in the bed.”

Wife, really boiling now and through gritted teeth.

Wife: “And did my husband say that as well?”

Maria: “No Señora....The gardener deed.”

Wife: “So, how much do you want?”

Copper residents enjoy independent living and a social life which includes regular organised outings.

Secure inner-city living for retirees Inner-city, independent retirement living that’s secure and private is among the attributes offered by Copper Beech Apartments in Tauranga.

Located in 14th Ave, the 16 apartments in the complex are modern, sunny, secure and close to downtown shopping, supermarkets and medical centres.

Village co-ordinator Jane Kleinsmith says while living independently, residents have the peace of mind of knowing a registered nurse is on-site and oncall 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Through our parent company Ultimate Care Group, we are also able to offer residents five days a year of free respite care at adjoining Oakland Lifecare should they be recovering from surgery or illness.

MELROSE LIFESTYLE CARE &CARE VILLAGE: MELROSE LIFESTYLE & VILLAGE: 159 Waihi Tauranga 3110 159Rd, Waihi Rd, Tauranga 3110 Retirement Village | Village Care Village Hospital| Care Retirement | Care| Village Hospital Care

“Meals can also be delivered to their homes on a daily basis and the facility is wheelchair and pet friendly.”

The spacious apartments in the right-to-occupy complex feature a large separate bedroom, open plan lounge/dining and kitchen and laundry facility. Some apartments have garden access and some have lovely balcony views. All have convenient street access.

“Copper Beech Apartments has a commitment to providing peace of mind retirement living for residents and we welcome people to inspect our apartments and facilities.

“Our adjoining Oakland Lifecare ensures we can offer continuum of care with hospital, rest home and independent living. Residents can then focus on the important things in life – the ability to be as busy as they want or just enjoy the peace and quiet of carefree living,” says Jane.

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RETIREMENT

Why Aristotle would own a surfboard There aren’t many situations where the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle would be paired with a surfboard.

tions of John Maynard Keynes, one of history’s most it’s a subject that’s worth at least an hour of consideration. celebrated economists, as an example of where the modern world has got it all wrong. Back in 1930, Keynes predicted that increases in productivity and efficiency would lead to a 15-hour working But Massey professor Christoph Schumacher week, and people would choose to have far more chose the title ‘Why Aristotle would own a surfboard’ for his professorial lecture because he wanted leisure time.

Of course the opposite has happened. People are to inject an element of humour to his presentation. working longer hours “I saw this professorial than ever before, with lecture as a chance to say expectations that serwhat I’ve really wanted vices are available 24 to say for years,” profeshours per day. sor Schumacher says.

“Economic growth “Our current economic should only be a mantra is always about means to a better life; growth, but continuous it shouldn’t be an end economic growth is not unto itself. And it environmentally sustaindoesn’t make us better able, and it is not making people. We accumulate us happy.” a lot of material things, Christoph says AristoAristotle would approve of taking time to surf tle had a lot of sensible that is all,” he says. believes Professor Christoph Schumacher. things to say about the “My favourite quote way people should live their lives. “For Aristotle, the comes from British ecological economist Tim Jackpurpose of human existence was ‘the good life’. The son: ‘Our problem is we are persuaded to buy things surfboard is really a metaphor for all those things we we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to make enjoy in life but often don’t have time to do.” impressions that won’t last, on people we don’t care In his lecture on March 27 in Auckland, Professor about.’ That’s it in a nutshell.

Schumacher asked one of the big questions of our “And New Zealanders are right at the top of that time: Should we be aiming for continual economic list – our credit card debt is one of the highest in growth within a finite environment? the OECD.” “There’s not a single country on this planet that Christoph also argues the case for a system that doesn’t have economic growth as one of its key distributes wealth more evenly. “We have a moral targets. obligation to share more because we really don’t But we have to stop and ask ourselves why. share very well. Under our current economic system “The drive for greater growth and productivity we generate more wealth, but it goes into the same is depleting our resources without satisfying our pockets.” material desires. I’ve linked current GDP growth In his lecture posed some suggestions, including a with various happiness surveys and found the more shorter working week, which might encourage we grow our national wealth, the less happy we a better way of living for a greater number of become.” Christoph points to the unfulfilled predic- people. “I don’t have all the answers, but I think

At the very least, I hope the lecture was thought provoking.”

COME AND SEE WHAT MAKES

SUMMERSET VILLAGES THE BEST! Summerset is all about people sharing the best life has to offer. That’s why, from the moment you walk into one of our retirement villages you feel the warmth and welcome for which Summerset is renowned. More than 2,000 New Zealanders enjoy the Summerset way of life in 15 villages throughout the country.

Summerset North Island locations

Building has commenced on the first stage of our 16th village, Summerset by the Sea in Katikati. The village will comprise a mixture of villas, townhouses, apartments and when completed an impressive Village Centre with care apartments and Care Centre. More than 200 residents will eventually call the village home.

For more information about Summerset by the Sea please call Alan Mathews on 07 549 4016 or email katikati.sales@summerset.co.nz or call in to see us at 181 Park Road, Katikati.

THE BEST – ONCE AGAIN Legend

Summerset recognised as Australasia’s best Operational villages retirement village operator three years in a row.

Warkworth Hobsonville

Ellerslie Manukau

Karaka

Katikati

Hamilton

Taupo

Napier Hastings

Wanganui Palmerston North

Havelock North

Levin Paraparaumu

Legend

Trentham

Nelson Aotea

Lower Hutt

N

Operational villages In development Proposed villages/ greenfield sites

In development Proposed villages/ greenfield sites

D

Page 54

COUNTRY LIVING

Spanish pioneer retires Javier Jove helped introduce the Spanish to New Zealand kiwifruit 44 years ago and his connection with the fruit, and in more recent years Zespri, have been high points of a long career in the fresh produce industry.

Now aged 73, he’s finally decided to retire, handing over the role as Zespri’s market manager – Iberica to Enrique Guio, who joined him on a visit to New Zealand last week.

“The last 15 years working with Zespri have been wonderful because it is an excellent company to work for and the New Zealand people are so friendly – so much like the Spanish,” Javier says.

In 1969 Javier was instrumental in facilitating the first New Zealand kiwifruit to be imported into Spain.

“I had seen New Zealand kiwifruit in the UK and Europe and thought it should be in Spain too. Back in the early days we imported 9000 tonnes, now it is 60,000.”

Green kiwifruit quickly found favour with the Spanish public who enjoyed the colour, flavour and health benefits of the fruit.

Initially Javier worked with independent New Zealand export-

Retiring Zespri market manager – Iberica, Javier Jove of Spain, with Enrique Guio, who is taking on the role. ers including Turners & Growers, its health qualities; that it has Dalgety and Auckland Export. more Vitamin C than an orange, “They were all competing with and people choose kiwifruit even each other,” says Javier. though there is a lot of competiFifteen years ago, when he was tion from other fruits like apples, considering retiring, Zespri asked peaches, pears and melons.” him to work for the company in Green kiwifruit remains the Spain and he was delighted to most popular in Spain, although accept. gold sells well there too.

“Zespri is now a well-known Javier has made many visits to and respected brand in Spain and New Zealand to see kiwifruit people are prepared to pay more being grown, picked, and packed because of the brand, because they and these have enhanced his know New Zealand grows and appreciation of the industry and exports quality kiwifruit. the efforts that go into producing “People are eating more kiwihigh quality fruit for export,

By Elaine Fisher fruit because they know about he says.

Rural subdivision gets harder still When proposed changes to rural subdivision rules were announced more than two years ago I was not surprised at the tightening of the rules in an attempt to slow down the number of lifestyle blocks.

Council had been challenged by the sheer number of blocks being cut off the frontages of larger blocks close to Hamilton.

What did surprise me though, was the decision to make any future lifestyle blocks larger – they are proposed to be a minimum size of 1.6ha (4 acre). This concerns me because this will potentially take more land out of large scale production than the 0.5ha (1.25 acre) blocks that were previously allowed.

Under the proposed rules, your original block will have to be at least 6ha in size and created prior to December 1997 before it can be considered for subdivision. Only one new lot can be subdivided from this.

I believe that this is only the beginning and that the rules will become much tougher very quickly in the Waikato District, including that area of Franklin which they have annexed. Allowing subdivision of the 6ha blocks has been challenged by Waikato

Regional Council during the submission process, where they proposed that a block should be 40ha (100 acre) in size before it could be subdivided.

Some people may be hanging their hat on current appeals to the Environment Court going their way, and allowing a return to the rules we had, but I advise a much more cautious approach that involves getting on with it and making the best of a situation that could be fast disappearing.

I believe that the outcome of this proposed rule change has the potential to be far tougher on rural land owners than the notified rules once the Environment Court and Regional Council have finished with it. You may not even get one lifestyle lot, particularly if you have less than 40ha to start with.

I have seen cases where the Environment Court makes a ruling quite different to either that originally proposed by council or that proposed by a submitter. So, if you have been procrastinating over how to get the best value out of your land, now is the time to act, before it is too late. If you are interested to find out how the changes may affect you, feel free to give me a call and discuss your situation.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

North Island butchers beat the southerners The North Island has clinched the title in the inaugural Wedderburn North vs South Butchery Challenge.

The battle of the butchers saw five of the best from each island compete in a two hour team competition last month. Competition organiser, Kim Doran from Retail Meat New Zealand, says the standard of butchery on show was exceptional.

As well as the bragging rights the North Island team received, the competition was also the stage for selecting five individuals to trial for the national butchery team.

Those selected for this trial are: Abigail Lane, PAK’nSAVE Kaitaia; Phill Pirie, Pokeno Bacon, Auckland; David Porter, Harmony Foods, Paeroa; Dion Puncheon, Regent New World, Whangarei; Nolton Laing, Harris Meats, Cheviot and Timmy Watson, Ashby’s Butchery, Christchurch.

These five butchers will be involved in a trial against the incumbent Wedderburn Sharp Blacks for a place in the team which will travel to Britain in 2014 to defend their Butchery Tri-Nations title.

COUNTRY LIVING

Dragon fruit family first Although dragon fruit has been growing in New Zealand for around 14 years Te Puke grower Wayne Robinson says the fruit is still a mystery to most people.

The Robinson’s are the only family to grow dragon fruit in the country. Wayne and his family took over the 14-year-old business from an elderly couple more than a year ago. Now, his greenhouses house around 1700 dragon fruit plants.

Until about five years ago the industry was export only. Today, Wayne distributes the fruit on cruise ships, to supermarkets, and to those who seek it directly.

“We get people coming down here just to find it.

(But) It’s a bit of a mystery fruit to most people.

Dragon fruit is a cactus plant. Grown without sprays or chemicals the fruit has many health benefits.

Because it is low in sugar and carbohydrates dragon fruit is proven to help with diabetes.

The fruit can also improve memory and help to reduce effects of asthma.

Because dragon fruit is a mystery to most New Zealanders Wayne is looking to educate more people about the fruit.

“We don’t have the solid research done on it in New Zealand yet to market it as such but that’s what we’re aiming at.

“It’s a tricky crop to work with. There’re just prickles galore. We’ve learnt a lot. There’s not really any experts in any part of the world on it.

It’s quite a new crop just about everywhere as a commercial crop.”

“It’s quite an acquired taste for some people. You can chill it down or eat it at room temperature or put it in smoothies or ice-cream.

“You can also make muffins with it. They’re particularly nice dried because it intensifies the flavour a lot.”

Wayne and his family sometimes make jams out of the fruit.

For recipes visit: www.dragonfruit.co.nz

By Zoe Hunter

The Robinson family Wayne, Alison, Abi,2, Emily,5, and Mikey,9, love their dragon fruit.

Page 55

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 56

Sweet potato may address deficiencies A Massey University PhD student has developed a complementary food for infants in developing nations that could help minimise vitamin A deficiency.

Francis Kweku Amagloh used sweet potato as the base ingredient for the food, which he hopes will address some of the micronutrient deficiencies in the vulnerable period when infants transition to solid food.

Complementary or weaning foods are usually introduced into the diet at around six months.

After working for the World Health Organization, Francis found infants in his home nation Ghana were mostly given cereal-based

complementary food, prepared from white maize, that is devoid of vitamin A precursors. This spurred his interest in researching strategies to improve infant nutrition for his PhD. His supervisor, Associate Professor Jane Coad of the College of Health, says it is a common problem in developing nations. “These children often falter in growth and get anaemia and vitamin A deficiency because the household-level weaning foods introduced don’t provide adequate micronutrients,” she says.

“In Ghana, like a lot of developing nations, the traditional cerealbased porridge is low in micronutrients and high in

phytate, which binds to the iron and stops it from being absorbed.”

Using New Zealand kumara (sweet potato), Francis developed a food product at Massey’s Food Pilot Plant

that could be easily stored and rehydrated with water. It has low phytate and is high in vitamin A precursors and could serve as a good dietary source of vitamin A. The powder could also be manufactured easily in developing nations with locally grown sweet potatoes.

Jane says Massey has unique capability across food and nutrition that allowed Francis to complete the project.

“We took this right across the breadth of expertise of the institute, so although Francis is a nutritionist, we used Massey’s expertise in food technology at the pilot plant and the expertise in postharvest technology

and sensory evaluation.”

Francis, whose study at Massey was funded by NZAID, is now back in Ghana with the University for Development Studies. He is seeking funding to carry out more research on the nutritional advantages of sweet potato and plans to continue collaborating with staff at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health in the College of Health.

His PhD thesis was included in the Dean’s List of Exceptional Doctoral Theses.

“Although the sweet potato-based weaning food would positively contribute in reducing vitamin A deficiency among children, we cannot be certain if it will help reduce iron deficiency,” Francis says.

“This question will only be answered through an infant feeding trial.”

Adopt an adult cat from ARRC The Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre’s ‘Spay the Stray Cat’ campaign has had our team working hard to contain Tauranga’s stray cat population.

By mid-April this year, our statistics show that we have removed 185 stray cats from the Tauranga environment, completely contained six colonies, re-homed 65 cats and kittens but we still have 85 looking for homes and we have 395 stray cats registered with us that we’re working on. We still have a long way to go but we’re making headway.

At the height of breeding season

we are inundated with kittens which are relatively easy to re-home but we also have many adult cats which are looking for loving homes too.

Many of them are cute and cuddly and would make loving pets, while others are a little more independent

and would no doubt do their share paying rent by hunting rodents and helping to keep their populations under control.

If you would like to adopt a gorgeous kitten or cat, please contact our ARRC co-ordinator Sue Mackey by calling 07 579 9115, view our website: www. arrc.org.nz and Facebook page for more information or come in and see some of our lovely cats at 212 Fraser St, Tauranga.

By Sue Mackey ARRC co-ordinator

How to care for your skin during winter

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND

The words ‘winter’ and ‘dry skin’ are often skin: dry skin, worsening of eczema and skin cancer. considered synonymous. Did you know that The stratum corneum plays an important role in dryness of the skin has almost nothing to do the barrier function of the skin and when skin with the amount of water you drink? becomes dry, its barrier function is affected and Dryness of the skin (xerosis) is actually this can exacerbate eczema. A good moisturiser related to changes in the protein and lipid is an important part of winter-skin-care and content of the stratum corneum (upperthose that contain glycolic acid will improve the most layer of the skin). This change in the skin’s appearance and texture. about stratum corneum alters the scattering and Skin cancer does not respect seasons. reflection of light leading to a dull, rough Research has shown that melanomas are thicker appearance to the skin. Skin dryness can and diagnosed at a later stage in winter than in be triggered by changes in the environsummer. This is most likely due to an increased ment or due to factors related to your awareness of skin cancer in summer when overall health. In winter, the most common cause is a compared to winter. Hence winter is not a time to be change in the humidity of the environment. complacent. Your dermatologist is the best person to Winter brings about three common problems in the discuss skin checks and skin care.

skin

Page 57

COUNTRY LIVING

Temperament and fleece - alpaca attributes Alpaca are ideal livestock for lifestylers because of their quiet temperament and the ability to earn money from their fleece, says Rosemary Newson of Sonric Suri Alpacas near Tauranga.

She and husband Richard are among eight alpaca farmers in the Bay of Plenty who will welcome the public to their properties on Sunday, May 5 as part of National Alpaca Day. “A 4 ha (10 acre) block can carry up to 100 suri alpaca and you can really do something with those numbers in terms of breeding and shearing the fleece.”

Rosemary says currently suri numbers are relatively low in New Zealand but their soft,

almost silk-like, yet warm fleece, is in demand “Suri breeders want to see numbers grow because there are exciting prospects for the fleece in the future.”

Unlike the huacaya breed of alpaca, suri don’t have to be shorn because, with adequate shade, they don’t over-heat in summer. However, Rosemary says because the fleece is in demand, and mobile shearers are happy to handle even small numbers, shearing them is recommended.

Huacaya on the other hand do need annual shearing to cope with summer heat, and their fleece too is popular for garments.

Alpaca are easy and safe to handle and their calm, friendly, inquisitive natures make them pleasant animals to be around, says Rosemary.

Organisers of the open day expect people

with a keen interest in buying and farming alpaca to be among those who visit farms, but the day is open to anyone who enjoys the animals.

“We have people who come every year just because they love alpaca,” says Rosemary.

For those more serious about the animals, there’s the chance to lead them on a halter at the Newson farm and learn more about their care and management too.

The open day is from 10am to 3pm with six farms between Katikati and Te Puke open to the public.

If anyone wants to know where the nearest farm is to them, they are welcome to call Rosemary on 07 552 0016 or check out the website www.alpaca.org.nz

Chamois – the royal gift The alpine chamois is an animal of extraordinary agility and elegance, and a truly wonderful game animal, writes Bruce Banwell in his book ‘The Alpine Chamois’.

Written and compiled for the New Zealand Deer Stalkers’ Association, the book traces the history of one of this country’s most intriguing and sometimes elusive animals.

The introduction of chamois to New Zealand was at the instigation of Frigate-Captain Ludwig Ritter von Hobnel, who visited New Zealand in 1905 when in command of the Austro-Hungar-

ian cruiser the Panther.

During his visit, the New Zealand Government made a gift to Austria’s king, of blue and grey duck, kiwi, kea, weka, tuatara, and native plants.

In return his Imperial Majesty Franz Joseph of Austria ordered six chamois doe and two bucks be captured and delivered as a gift to New Zealand in 1906. A second shipment of animals took place in 1913 and the chamois adapted well to their new environment.

Bruce is uniquely placed to write the chamois story because not only does he know the animal in its

New Zealand environment but he has also travelled to Europe and Asia Minor to most of the chamois rangelands from Spain across the continent as far as the Caspian Sea regularly sighting and observing them in their natural habitat.

Thanks to publishers the Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘The Alpine Chamois’ to give away. To be in to win email ‘Book Prize’ along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to ‘Book Prize’, Coast & Country, PO Box 240

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Page 58

COAST & COUNTRY

Antiques road show at Kawerau Organisers are gearing up for what they hope will be one of the biggest antiques and collectables road shows in the region at Kawerau during Queens Birthday Weekend.

of the Whakatane Museum, Rotorua art dealer and collector John McCartney, and Lois Ions who has been involved in coin and stamp collecting for 33 years. Ray says while the event is expected to attract motorhomers from throughout the region and further afield to stay for the weekend, anyone is welcome to attend the show and bring along antiques and collectables to be valued for a small fee. “People Organised by the Eastern Bay of Plenty branch of the NZ Motor may also wish to enter items in the auction with 10 per cent comCaravan Association, the event will feature valuation by four experts, mission on items sold going straight to hospice. We’re also inviting antiques, collectibles, bric-a-brac and an auction, says one of the people to set up bric-a-brac sales tables and there will be a fee for organisers Ray Barton. “We were keen to arrange an event of interest this too.” Jacqui says the Eastern Bay to our members and the public during Hospice shop in Whakatane will be Queen’s birthday weekend and saw this entering a bric-a-brac table and will as an ideal way to help raise funds for have items for valuation and for aucHospice Eastern Bay of Plenty,” says Ray. tion. “We receive the most wonderful Jacqui Davis, public relations coordinadonations, including antiques, from tor for Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty, the public to our shop so this will be says the organisation is delighted to a further opportunity to offer them be the beneficiary of the antiques road to the public,” she says. show. “Annually we have a shortfall of The road show will be at the $350,000 in operating costs and need Kawerau Town Hall, Islington St, the support of the local community to Kawerau on Saturday and Sunday, continue to offer the services we do to June 1 and 2 from 10am to 3pm clients and their families throughout the with the auction beginning at Eastern Bay of Plenty.” Expert valuers at 3.30pm on Sunday. the road show will be Jacqui Otley who For more information and to regHere’s to a successful antiques road show – Ray Barton ister for a bric-a-brac sales table, call has completed courses run by Southeby’s, Wayne Marriott former conservator and Jacqui Davis toast the Queen’s Birthday Ray Barton on 027 471 0226.

Weekend event at Kawerau.

Get Brain Smart - Get Change Smart Change is hard. Our brain resists change.

Understanding how our brain reacts to change is helpful not only in our work environment, but also in our personal lives.

When anything tries to change us we push back and try to maintain our current way of doing things.

Even when our livelihood is at risk, change may still not happen. In coronary by-pass studies, 90 per cent of those patients told to change their lifestyle or face a premature death had not changed their lifestyle two

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years on. In order for people to embrace change more fully, we need to consider how the human brain works. If you wish to introduce change into your business or organisation, you may find the following information helpful. When introducing change, there needs to be preparation for change, a belief that change is possible, and then we need to rewire the brain to embed the change. If you wish to introduce change into a work environment, start by making your employees feel valued. Next be consistent with your information. Have a clear vision of what you want your business to achieve, and focus your employee’s attention on this vision. Allow people to have their own insights about the change you are introducing to their work environment. Keep focusing on the solution and allow your people to align their own values with

the new path ahead. Then embed the new change by rewiring the brain through repetition, positive reinforcement and focus. Setting goals can assist focus at this time. In summary: there is a lot of threat associated with change. We respond to change by fighting or fleeing. When introducing change, clarify why the change is important and be clear and consistent about what the change is. If you wish to have some further information on habits, at no cost, please email Wendy directly at: wendy@accordservices.co.nz or phone 07 574 2360.

This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

THREE BROTHERS

THREE BROTHERS

COAST & COUNTRY

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Making wedding dreams come true Men and women alike dream of their perfect wedding day – the food, the location, the dress – but often the reality of organising such a special event is time-consuming, difficult and stressful.

Wedding show organisers Trudi Peet and Rochelle Free.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

On May 19, the Tauranga Wedding and Special Events Show will aid couples in making their wedding day a reality while keeping things romantic and exciting.

With 120 stalls offering everything required for a beautiful wedding, including Addictive DJs, Mills Reef, Bay of Plenty Weddings, Bella Vista Lodge, Waverly on Wairoa and Trinity Wharf Tauranga, the show should not be missed.

Organisers Trudi Peet and Rochelle Free say from hair styles fit for royalty to the ultimate honeymoon, every aspect of organising a wedding will be covered at the show at ASB Arena.

The pair has recently joined forces to create a new company called Freestyle Events and Marketing Limited, and they’re the new owners of the Tauranga Wedding & Special Events Show.

With more than 20 years in the wedding industry, they understand how to make people’s special day a stress-free one, they say.

The Tauranga-based company also offers conference organisation, wedding and event planning, themes, event styling and equipment hire.

Trudi and Rochelle have taken over publication ‘The Wedding Planner’ and ‘The Wedding Planner Online’

Abundant Health

Are your muscles complaining? Part 1 Muscle pain is one of the most common complaints.

This may be anything from statin myopathy to PMR or Fibromyalgia.

Statin myopathy is a collection of muscular and other symptoms caused by side effects of commonly prescribed cholesterollowering statin medication.

Statins drugs are very effective at reducing the amount of cholesterol in our blood. They do this by inhibiting an enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately, this enzyme is also needed for the production of co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Statins reduce both cholesterol and CoQ10.

The main function of CoQ10 is to produce energy needed for our body demands, especially for our muscles. Think of CoQ10 like the spark plugs and exhaust system in your car engine. Without a good spark, a petrol engine

will not run properly. With insufficient CoQ10 the trillions of little engines (mitochondria) in your muscle cells will not produce enough energy and you feel that as a general fatigue and weakness, and a stiffness and pain in your muscles.

Low CoQ10 levels can have a disastrous effect on muscles.

Alarmingly, the highest levels of CoQ10 are found in the heart muscle. If you think you have these symptoms you should talk to your doctor because sometimes a change in medication or doses can help. I recommend everyone on statins take 100mg of high grade CoQ10 to compensate and there are an increasing number of doctors who suggest CoQ10 supplementation to counter statin myopathy.

The CoQ10 I prefer is a trademarked product that is proven

to increase cell CoQ10 levels and includes vitamin E compounds known to help cholesterol balance.

For those on statins my first goal is to prevent or reduce any statin myopathy. But just as importantly, is creating a full cardiovascular nutrition programme.

I invariably add a range of nutrients to help with circulation and to protect blood vessels, especially coronary arteries, from the free radical damage and inflammation central to the formation of artery-blocking plaques.

Give me a call if you need more information.

To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz John Arts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health.

Contact John on 0800 423 559.

To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

   

website which offers helpful tips to couples planning their special day.

Tickets to the Tauranga Wedding and Special Events Show on May 19 cost $10 and doors open at 10am at the ASB Arena at Baypark, 81 Truman Lane, Te Maunga, Tauranga.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 60

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Sunday 5 May

Alpaca Farm Open Day Hamilton At Ataahua Alpaca Stud, 297 Horsham Downs Road, North Rototuna, Hamilton 10am – 4pm. Meet our 30 alpacas and cria (babies). Learn about alpacas in NZ. Yarn, products & garments available for sale. Free admission.

Alpaca Open Day Rotorua At Surico Alpaca, 215 Tauranga Direct Rd, Rotorua 10am – 3pm. A great opportunity to visit an alpaca farm, learn more about alpaca or just have a fun day out. Alpaca proudcts & garments available for sale. Free admission.

Melting Moments, the Whakatane horse injured in a fall at the Horse of the Year in March is recovering slowly and her owner Nadesha Dick hopes to be riding her in competitions again later in the year.

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At Alistair and Patricia Sharpe’s, Waihi. Brought to you in association with Performance Beef Breeders NZ, this workshop will explore the relationship between body composition and calving rate; specifically the combination of selecting for fat, net feed intake and nutrition, on efficiency of weaner production. Practical exercises will be included on scoring cattle for structural soundness using the beef class structural assessment system.

Registration essential. Contact: Erica van Reenen, 07 839 0286 or Erica. vanReenen@beeflambnz.com

Calf Rearing after the drought at Top Notch Calves, 331 Harwoods Rd, Tirau. FMG have provided a bus service leaving Farmlands Tokoroa 9.15am & Farmlands Putaruru 9.40am. RSVP to secure your seat ph/text 0274 950 458 or southwaikatodwn@gmail.com . Light lunch & tea/coffee provided. Speakers: Dr Baz Shilton “The importance of good calf rearing after a drought.” Joanne Leigh – view John and Joanne Leigh’s commercial calf rearing facility in Okoroire. Sharon Moss – “her calf rearing system.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Better Beef Cows’ workshop – Waihi.

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Nadesha, 16, had qualified in January to represent the Bay of Plenty in the HOY Pony Club team of New Zealand event in Hastings and she had Melting Moments jumping nicely in the 1.15m class when something went wrong, says her mum Kathryn Dick.

“Into the ring she rode and jumped the first three jumps Melting Moments (middle) resting at home amazingly, then heading into with her paddock mates. jump four, something went wrong and Melting Moments Horses and riding are very much a way stumbled over the top rail coming down of life for the Dick family, as Kathryn onto her knees. Trying to regain her feet and her husband Mathew own one of and save herself from rolling over on top New Zealand’s largest equestrian specialof her rider, she came through with her ity stores called Hoofcamp Saddlery in hind foot and cut her front heel open.”

Whakatane.

Once the horse gathered herself up By the time Nadesha joined the on all four feet, Nadesha realized she Whakatane Pony Club at 12 she was was lame and found the big gash in her a confident rider. Now her family has lower leg. moved to Edgecumbe she rides for “That was the end of the HOY event that club. In January, representing the for her and a big vet bill to go with it Whakatane District Pony Clubs, Nadeafter the horse was sedated and stitched sha achieved the highest points for an up.” individual rider in the team, competing Kathryn says Melting Moments hasn’t at North Island Show Jumping Champibeen ridden since the incident but her onships held in Cambridge. leg is healing.

She is so committed to her sport that “It was such a disappointment for she is doing a correspondence equine Nadesha to qualify and not be able to course which includes learning about complete the event but we contacted the farrier work, pasture management as reserve BOP team rider. The end result well as animal health and care. was that our team was placed second Her plan is to take part in the Junior overall in New Zealand in the finals.”

Rider of the Year registered-shows events Taking the fall hasn’t put Nadesha off next year which will involve travelling riding, something she has been doing to a number of competitions around since she was three. Although she can’t the country, hopefully with Melting ride Melting Moments she has been Moments who up until her fall working with two other horses, includhad proved a very successful ing one she is breaking in. competition horse.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 62

Abattoir open day brings in the crowds

By Elaine Fisher

An open day at an abattoir may not appear an appealing prospect but in April 418 people turned up for a guided tour of Silver Fern Farms’ brand new $67 million Te Aroha processing operation.

Te Aroha plant manager Lance Warmington, who guided the first bus load of visitors, said the open day followed earlier ones for farmer suppliers and was held in response to keen interest in the facility from the local community.

The plant’s name is Te Kaauta - a place to hear, see, speak and prepare food, and it was built following the fire which destroyed virtually all of the former beef processing operation in December 2010.

Among those to visit the plant was Heather Hazelton and her four-year-old son Brodie. “We wanted to come because my husband Russell works here and we haven’t been able to go inside before.” Heather said when fire destroyed the original facility there was initially fear in the community that it wouldn’t be re-built and many would lose their jobs. “The facility is very important to Te Aroha.”

Careers

Te Aroha College careers co-ordinator Linda Merriman joined the tour with the intention of finding out what opportunities the industry offered school leavers and to arrange for groups

of students to visit on a regular basis.

Around 25 to 30 per cent of the staff are women, and 70 per cent male but women are increasingly moving into the previously exclusively male jobs such as boners.

Lance says the factory has been designed to reduce back problems with adjustable work platforms and equipment to make moving large carcasses easier. Safety is a top priority with those using knives equipped with protective gloves and aprons and everyone is well versed in health and safety requirements. Drug testing is carried out routinely.

Visitors were guided through the high-tech facility, where some of the equipment is so new, sophisticated and secret, photos were not permitted to be taken.

to the required temperatures. “Animal welfare is paramount and we treat the animals with respect, even after they are dead. Halal slaughter practices are used with the animals turned to face a particular way and then stunned.”

Respect for the animal also included using every possible part of the carcass in some form, he said.

Co-op

Silver Fern Farms is a co-operative representing more than 20,000 sheep, cattle and deer farmers throughout New Zealand and Lance said achieving the best possible returns for farmers was always the aim.

Local economy

operation has been designed for best practice processing of manufacturing cows, bulls, steers and heifers from farmer suppliers across the Waikato region.

Its processing system can monitor and deliver rapid feedback to plant staff on how closely they are meeting customer requirements for particular cuts. This fits with Silver Fern Farm’s ‘plate to pasture’ strategy where consumer requirements are driving process improvements in order for the company to extract higher value returns from products, says Lance.

The data collection system is underpinned by the Primary Growth Partnership FarmIQ joint venture programme which is an investment of $151 million by Silver Fern Farms, Landcorp Farming, Tru-Test Group and the Ministry of Primary Industries.

The plant, which officially opened in December last year, will employ up to Farmers 380 staff when operating at full capacFor farmers, informaity with two shifts in peak season and tion collected at the Te an annual capacity of 125,000 cattle.

Aroha plant on meat Lance says the plant contributes about yield and quality can $13 million to the local economy in wages alone and the aim was to keep The new Silver Fern Farms’ Te Aroha processing operation is state of the art. be used to inform farm management decisions staff employed year round, between the as they look for avenues Te Aroha, Waitoa and Paeroa plants.

Radio frequencies identification tags, which to lift farm system performance.

This informaEnvironmental considerations were part of the include NAIT ear tag details, are attached to tion can also be married with information from plant’s design which included a large effluent each carcass and information is updated as it the insights FarmIQ will bring from consumers collection pond installed and heat from plant passes along the processing chain. so farmers can produce to target higher-value machinery recovered to heat water, reducing The plant’s new hot-boned beef processing returns from specific consumers. the amount of electricity needed to bring it up

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COAST & COUNTRY

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COAST & COUNTRY

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE PACK UP FOR GRABS!

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera� or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

Max is (2 1/2 yrs old) just loves being out on the farm with his Dad and Grandad. Sent by Nicki Raffills.

Gregory Capper-Conijn and his calf Peanut in the fancy dress section in the youth class at Helensville A&P Show.

Background image: Nathan Williams snapped this photo one evening out on his property in Gisborne.

Sent by Nathan Williams.

Charlotte (3 yrs old) on the left and big sister Abbey Brear (5 yrs old). Sent in by Tracey Brear.